The Royal Treatment

Yesterday, Jasmine (the princess du jour) received the ultimate spa services from her Aunt Karen and cousin Karlee. Madi's been accustomed to getting a manicure and pedicure from Bubba and Aunt Kathy on occasion, but this was unbelievable! She had one of them working on her toes and one of them working on her fingers at the same time! Talk about spoilage!! She kept getting this little smirk on her face as if she knew she could get used to this!

Our therapy sessions

Yesterday, Madi and I experienced a very special blessing at hospice. First we were visiting by a trained therapy dog named Suki. She was so sweet, and it really brightened up Grandma's day. Then, just as we were leaving our visit, in walked the Director of Music Therapy. The timing couldn't have been better, and we decided to stick around for the therapy session.

What mixed emotions--what joy and heartache at the very same time. It truly was a beautiful moment that we shared with Grandma and her best friend, Marie. Madi danced around like a fairy sprinkling the room with her "dust" of youth and innocence. Catherine, the therapist, had the voice of an angel. She played Twinkle, Twinkle and songs from The Sound of Music. She played Grandma's favorite tribute to her Granddaughters--'You are my Sunshine'. Madi laid on the bed with her and they sang and stared at each other enjoying the music. Grandma watched as Catherine and Madi performed the ABC song together, and she even allowed Madi to strum her guitar. It is a moment that I won't soon forget and I can only hope that memory sticks with Madi forever too. God is so good.

New ice pop flavor!

Every Thursday after Madi's gymnastics class, she gets to choose an ice pop from Miss Jody. Today she chose green. We were in the car driving away, and I asked her what flavor it was. She answered, "Edamame."

A conversation with Daddy

Earlier this evening, Madi and Daddy were having a drink of water and relaxing together. Daddy, who was enjoying the intimate moment told Madi how much he loved her. He said, "My favorite day was the first time I got to hold you when we adopted you." Madi replied, "My favorite day was the day that you adopted me." Of course, Daddy was all choked up then, and now.

Madi's Readoption

This time two years ago, we readopted Madi in the State of Florida. This was recommended in order for Madi to have a Certificate of Foreign Birth, which is like a birth certificate that will help make things easier for her throughout life. We were so glad to have Uncle Andrew as a witness for this important event.

Mother's Day 2009

Madi's Aunt Karen and cousin Jordan came to visit last weekend. Their primary reason for the visit was to spend time with Grandma (Aunt Pauline to them) in the hospital. It was a very special Mother's Day, to say the least. We started out with champagne brunch at Bubba's house. The girls picked flowers from our garden, and Bubba was totally enamored with their arrangement.

After brunch, we headed to the hospital to see Grandma. The girls had a great time entertaining her with their silly songs and antics. We fought back our tears and truly tried to appreciate our most precious blessing at hand--our time together.

The girls truly bonded during their visit. They have only been together once before when Madi turned two and Jordan was four. During this visit, their age difference was much less apparent. They managed to work out any issues and really had a blast together.

Sleeping Beauties

Madi and Daddy enjoy watching 'Sleeping Beauty' together before bed sometimes. As you can see, it works like a charm...for both of them!

Sunrise

About two weeks ago, Daddy came up with an idea. He and Madi would take a trip to the beach to watch the sun rise. So, for the past two weeks, Madi has woken up every morning asking, "Are we going to the beach today??"

This morning at 6:00, we went in Madi's room to wake her. Jimmy turned on her light, and while dangling her swimsuit he told her it was time to get up. She reacted so quickly that she got up and fell back down! I walked in the room to find Madi sitting on the bed totally zoned out. Daddy said, "Madi--today's the day." In an instant, she jumped onto her feet, did a jig and chanted, "Today's the day, today's the day!" She is so funny. We got her dressed and shuffled them out the door. As they were leaving, I snapped a quick picture of them in the van in the dark. She then cried in a hurried voice, "Close the door, Mom!"

Three hours later, Daddy and Madi returned from a lovely experience together. They ate blueberry muffins and watermelon, walked on the beach, looked for seashells, and made a little sand castle.

Oh, and today Madi is Princess Belle. She's been running around calling Daddy "Jimbo" all morning!