Hut, Hut, Hike!
Day 522: Raising a girl with grit.
I grew up a #tomboy, and I’m probably still one on some days. This is forever my battle: kiiiinda wanna dress cute, kinda wanna wear sweatpants. 🤷♀️
I recently took an Enneagram test in which my wings read that I have a habit of trying a bunch of new things/endeavors because I like to be able to relate to everyone (#holytruthbomb). I have so many hobbies and interests because I love being able to connect and find common ground with strangers. This has a lot to do with the way I parent Waylin. I don’t push her to do anything she doesn’t want to do. But I do like to present her with opportunities to try new things as much as possible.
This past weekend, we went to my best friend's daughter's birthday party (aka Waylin's bestie! ❤ ). I am incredibly blessed to have the same best friend for almost 20 years. She would kill me for saying that, because it kinda ages us, but it amazes me when two people can be so supportive and happy for each other for that long! It is my hope that Waylin and Riley (and Blakely, Riley's sister) will have the same friendship that Kelsey and I have! I love you, Kelsey!
Kelsey's family has always treated me like I am part of their family too. Every time I get together with them, I walk away feeling so grateful for each and every one of them! ❤ Waylin got to experience the same thing at the party when she wanted to play football with the boys!
Football it is! 🏈 Other than the fact that I love this Rosie the Riveter attitude she has, it's about so much more. It’s raising her to pursue whatever her passions are. I’m not saying she will grow up wanting to be a football player because of this particular Saturday afternoon, but I want her to always feel like she can do anything! Because...she can! ❤️
She even scuffed up her knee and didn’t cry! When did my little girl get so tough? 😭
This is Blakely (Riley's sister) who is ~7 months old! Isn't she adorable? Waylin gave her a hug all on her own! Waylin has this adorable obsession with babies. Sometimes when we are grocery shopping, she will start flirting with other babies and say "Hi" all shyly. It's the most adorable thing ever! 😍
This girl is longing for some friends!
Because MIL graciously watches Waylin during the day, she doesn't get a whole lot of interaction with other kids/babies. That will be changing here soon, as MIL is wanting a break this summer. We are going to start doing part-time daycare.
Ben isn't happy with that idea, but I actually think it will be really good for her to interact with other kids her age. She doesn't say a lot of words, so I think being around other kids will help her develop her speech. And of course, her immune system will be tested! 😷🤧😷
We find out next week what availability is open for the two daycare centers that we are looking into! *fingers crossed*
I had to P U L L this girl away from the football when we had to leave! 🏈 I thought for sure she would be asleep within 0.45 seconds of being in the car. NOPE! She wanted to help me pick up the pizza we were bringing home to Daddy! She held my hand the entire time we waited and helped me carry it out to the car!
This was the end result of our day! She stayed awake just long enough to get the pizza and then she was out cold! I carried her into the house and laid her on the couch wrapped in blankets. Her snores were so deep and heavy...just like mama! 🐻
She definitely lived up to everyone's claims of "She's going to sleep good tonight!"
💤😴💤
P.S. Another example of how great Kelsey's family is: Mama Barb got her this tie-dye llama...just because! ❤
