Dear Serenity,
Only three more hours and this year will be over with and again you amaze me with your spunky personality. The more I look at you the more I see me in you...and honestly, it scares me.
Not saying that it's a bad thing...but I just hope and pray that as you get older I can be able to be the parent that you need...not one that you want.
I hope that you realize everything that I do I am doing for you.
I have experienced a lot of ups and downs this year...and as long as I have you with me, I don't care.
Mommy is now 28 years old...single parent to you...thankfully I have the help of my family to help raise you. Things will never be the same after this. You stopped going to daycare this year.
Ricky left for New Zealand...Grandpa had multiple surgeries...You are an international traveler! Mommy lost a love and fell in love again...You are getting an older sister and a younger sibling...a new Daddy...Will he ever take the place of Ricky? That is something you will have to determine as you get older. No one can tell you that someone else will take Ricky's place...but I have one promise to make to you and that is I will never keep you away from Ricky.
For the past 5 years that I've known Ricky, I have never hidden from him.
If he wants to contact you he knows how to get in contact with you.
I hope he's keeping a journal of sorts for you. That way when you grow older you can see what he's been doing...his struggles...his accomplishments...and anything that may fall in between. Things may not be a happily ever after with Ricky and I but I want you to know that it does not change the fact that we both love you very much. I can't speak for Ricky, but I know for myself...no matter what obstacles come my way NOTHING and NO ONE will ever change the way I feel for you baby girl.
We've also got news that you will have a cousin from your Auntie Crystal! I remember telling you the news after I found out about it and you said "Mommy, I love baby already!" And you wanted Auntie Crystal to name baby "Baby"...I do believe Auntie Crystal is contemplating that name for the time being...You also spoke with your Grandmother. We've been waiting for Nanu to come over with your presents. You've been waiting patiently and asking me about them too. Patience is a virtue.
You have gotten very mischievous...still somewhat wondering if that is a good thing or a bad thing...but I'm sure in due time I will find out soon enough.
And when that day comes I have a feeling I'm gonna be pulling my hair out. Of course in a good way. Mommy will always love you baby girl.
There's a saying..."No one knows the strength of my love for you.
After all, you're the only one who knows what my heart sounds like from
the inside." I realize that my parents have a harsh way of showing
compassion and what not to me when it comes to how I raise and
discipline you...is it because of how I'm doing it? Is it the right way? I don't think there is a right or wrong way...more of trial and errors.
If I discipline you one way and that doesn't work than I switch and go to another method. I think as of now that's the best way for us. So far "you get into trouble, I take away your iPad" method seems to be working okay so far. You haven't repeated what you got in trouble for...you've just been getting into different troubles...as I said before...mischievous....and you know what? I wouldn't want it any other way =)
Forever and Always,
Mommy
Monday, December 31, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Let's do some math...
Dear Serenity,
It's been a good 5 months since I last wrote a post on here. A lot has happened in our lives haven't it baby girl? You're getting a step daddy and a step sister ^_^ We had a great month in Vietnam. You met a lot of your great aunts and uncles. A lot of your cousins too! Of course there was a language barrier, but I think its a universal language with kiddos cause you and your cousins played without any issues...
Before leaving for Vietnam you got to spend some time with your grandmother and aunt. You had a fun time and they took you shopping. I can tell by your outfit that you picked out the dress! Either way, you looked lovely as always ;)
Not much really happened in regards to Ricky though. Ricky sent you a letter from New Zealand. One letter since he's been in New Zealand. Called less than a handful of times...but yea. That's the amount of contact he has attempted...
It's been uneventful...Apparently Ricky does not know how to spell your last name. Or rather...your future stepmother does not know...You are going to be an older sister to your half-sister. And for the sake of that child, I pray Ricky gets his act together. And quick.
Ricky owes you $458.21 a month for child support. Including $1,374.36 of back child support.
The $458.21 started from June 2011. It has now been 18 months...so total now you should have $8,247.78 worth of child support. Key word, SHOULD HAVE. So far, since June 2011, you've received $1,785.00 worth of child support. Last payment was made in May, 2012. Now, you saw your grandmother and aunt in October before we left for Vietnam...if I include the $100.00 she gave me for you at that time...then you would have a whopping $1,885.00 worth of child support for the past 18 months...wonder how he's going to support the new baby on the way. Probably the same way that he is "supporting" you.
Granted, Ricky hates my guts, but he is still obligated to you. I don't care for him, either but I still do what I have to do to make sure you are well taken care of...why? Because I know where my responsibilities are. I know some parents where they cannot be their physically for their kid/s they are there helping with money or other needs when necessary. While others don't even make an attempt to try and help...sad to say, like Ricky...Does he try? Let's see...When he was here in Louisiana, no. Does he try now that he's in New Zealand? That's still a no.
Sometimes I wonder if I should have done the whole "crazy baby momma" stuff and said "F it." Filed for child support from day one...made it on a court ordered schedule...but as you can see I didn't do that. Why? Because I gave Ricky a chance to prove that he had balls that makes him a man. And it NEVER fails....he proves to me that he CANNOT be the man that YOU need in your life.
Of course it's better late than never if he decides to "man up" but when you get older, you will be the judge of that. I have nothing to hide from you when it comes to Ricky. I've told you the good, the bad, and the ugly of it all. And even in the future I have no intention of hiding any of it.
Love you always Princess,
Mommy
It's been a good 5 months since I last wrote a post on here. A lot has happened in our lives haven't it baby girl? You're getting a step daddy and a step sister ^_^ We had a great month in Vietnam. You met a lot of your great aunts and uncles. A lot of your cousins too! Of course there was a language barrier, but I think its a universal language with kiddos cause you and your cousins played without any issues...
Before leaving for Vietnam you got to spend some time with your grandmother and aunt. You had a fun time and they took you shopping. I can tell by your outfit that you picked out the dress! Either way, you looked lovely as always ;)
Not much really happened in regards to Ricky though. Ricky sent you a letter from New Zealand. One letter since he's been in New Zealand. Called less than a handful of times...but yea. That's the amount of contact he has attempted...
It's been uneventful...Apparently Ricky does not know how to spell your last name. Or rather...your future stepmother does not know...You are going to be an older sister to your half-sister. And for the sake of that child, I pray Ricky gets his act together. And quick.
Ricky owes you $458.21 a month for child support. Including $1,374.36 of back child support.
The $458.21 started from June 2011. It has now been 18 months...so total now you should have $8,247.78 worth of child support. Key word, SHOULD HAVE. So far, since June 2011, you've received $1,785.00 worth of child support. Last payment was made in May, 2012. Now, you saw your grandmother and aunt in October before we left for Vietnam...if I include the $100.00 she gave me for you at that time...then you would have a whopping $1,885.00 worth of child support for the past 18 months...wonder how he's going to support the new baby on the way. Probably the same way that he is "supporting" you.
Granted, Ricky hates my guts, but he is still obligated to you. I don't care for him, either but I still do what I have to do to make sure you are well taken care of...why? Because I know where my responsibilities are. I know some parents where they cannot be their physically for their kid/s they are there helping with money or other needs when necessary. While others don't even make an attempt to try and help...sad to say, like Ricky...Does he try? Let's see...When he was here in Louisiana, no. Does he try now that he's in New Zealand? That's still a no.
Sometimes I wonder if I should have done the whole "crazy baby momma" stuff and said "F it." Filed for child support from day one...made it on a court ordered schedule...but as you can see I didn't do that. Why? Because I gave Ricky a chance to prove that he had balls that makes him a man. And it NEVER fails....he proves to me that he CANNOT be the man that YOU need in your life.
Of course it's better late than never if he decides to "man up" but when you get older, you will be the judge of that. I have nothing to hide from you when it comes to Ricky. I've told you the good, the bad, and the ugly of it all. And even in the future I have no intention of hiding any of it.
Love you always Princess,
Mommy
Saturday, June 16, 2012
All of a Sudden
Dear Serenity,
Just like with any other post...where do I begin this post?
There will be times in our lives where we have to decide what we want to do and what we need to do. Unfortunately, we won't be able to decide which is which when those moments are presented. When you look to life for answers, life does not give us the answers we want...it responds with the answers we need.
So Ricky has been gone since December. He's pretty much got himself adjusted to living in New Zealand...and honestly I couldn't be happier for him. I just pray that history does not repeat itself while he's there. It's odd though, while out of the country he rarely contacted me to see how you were doing. Even when he was local he didn't ask much about you. You saw him during his weekends and that was pretty much it. Since he has been gone in December he has not been keeping up with the arrangements that were made in court with helping financially.
He came back on Tuesday, May 29. Daddy Moon and I picked him up from the airport and drove him to the hotel to check-in. During this time I received texts asking if it was possible you would be able to spend time with Ricky's family for the week. That was not happening. I let Ricky know how I felt about it and he was well aware that you would not be going to Houston for the week. As Daddy Moon and I left the hotel, I got a text from Ricky saying that once he leaves, he's done. Now, take it as you may like...but I read it only one way.
The next day his sister and his mom both text me and wanted to say all sorts of stuff...
His mother called me unthoughtful and selfish. His sister said that I am making it difficult for them to see you...And you know what baby girl...I am unthoughtful. I was so unthoughtful I waited 3 years before I decided to take Ricky to court. Not only that but since we've been to court hes only paid 4 1/2 months of child support. I could have filed for contempt of court that he is not paying his child support and guess what, he wouldn't even been able to leave the states until his obligation to you was due. But did I? Have I? No. I was so unthoughtful that when Ricky left, I brought you to see his mother while she was in town. I offered to bring you by the night before when she called, but she was sleeping. So that's my fault how??? Everything that has taken place so far everyone knew well in advance that they could have contacted me and made arrangements so that they could see you and so forth...but they wanted to wait till the last minute to make a decision and think that I was going to drop everything I had planned so that you were going to see them??? HELL NO. First off, if they wanted to see you they could have well in advanced contacted us and made arrangements. Secondly, if they want to see you, they can come over here and see you. Why should I allow you to go see them when they clearly only wanted to deal with you when Ricky was here??? And if proof is needed? Pull up the phone and text records. How many times did they contact me about you? Since Ricky was in town they wanted to throw out the "We are her family too" card? I don't think so. They can come see you. You are NOT going to see them.
Where were they when I was pregnant? They never called to ask how you were doing. They made up excuses for Ricky. Saying that it's possible for him to be there for you but don't have to be there for me. And in that I gave them the benefit of the doubt. He came to ONE doctor appointment, the one when we found out that I would be having a baby girl. And he was there in the delivery room. That was pretty much it for the duration of my pregnancy that he was there. And even after all that I STILL made an effort to make it work to where you would have both Mommy and Daddy in your life. Where were they when you was sick? Where were they when Ricky decided to choose his friends over you? They were the ones who cut me out of their lives as far as communication went. Facebook...there are plenty of photos of you on Mommy's Facebook. I never hid any of that from them. I'm also not gonna add them as a friend cause it's their decision if they want to see how you are. If they decide to add me I will accept it.
Where were they when Ricky threatened me because I did not want to agree with what he wanted? Or when he did not get things his way? Yes, forgive and forget, and frankly I've done my fair share of forgiving and forgetting where you are concerned. And even now...I am still trying. He had opportunities here. It's his own choice he did not try to make it work. So he didn't even have to worry about paying for where he was staying. But yet he couldn't make it so that he could be closer to you? That was the main reason he stayed when your grandmother moved. There were supposedly jobs lined up for him that would have given him opportunities to be closer to you...but he chose a different route. And now I am the one to be made out to be the bad guy?
When Mommy started dating...Ricky wanted NOTHING to do with you. For 9 months he basically didn't give a rat's ass about you and how you were doing. At first he text/email and let me know that he was thinking about you, but after that he didn't contact me until I was single...he came back around for 2 months. He was a great...spent time with you, we all had a good time. he came back into your life. Maybe it's my fault I let him come back into our lives because I did want you to have a relationship with him. And again, when I started dating, the same thing happened. He wanted nothing to do with you. But the more I think about it the more its like a slap in the face. I am sorry baby girl that Ricky is now across seas. Maybe it is my fault that he is overseas, but I tried EVERYTHING in my power to be fair. I don't know what else I can do or say...and even still now I am trying.
I picked you on Friday from the hotel. Initially you were supposed to be with him until your birthday...but Ricky wanted to see his friends and they did not have a carseat. So we decided that I would pick you up on Friday and drive you to see him Saturday. Daddy Moon texted him Saturday after we got off work and he texted back letting us know that he would see you tomorrow. So your birthday came and we woke up early that morning. I texted him at 10 AM. He contacted me around 5 PM that day and let me know that he was someone's house. I let him know that we were currently in a midst of a small get together that Uncle Coty got together for you and that afterwards we would be at Auntie Mommy's house to eat for your birthday. I was not sure when we would be done. I asked Ricky if he would like to skype with you to see you and tell you happy birthday. He told me he was skyping with Thelma. And that he would try to see you later. He didn't see you in person or on skype for your birthday. Monday he was leaving for Houston. Now that alone is another blog...heck, the text messages are another blog...but Mommy had to work Monday. Daddy Moon offered to bring you to see Ricky before he left. He told us he would be leaving around 7 or 8 PM. Daddy Moon was done with work and contacted Ricky at 5 PM...he had already left for Houston. Ricky says that he will be back next year for your birthday. And I hope that he can keep up with the once a year visitations. Hopefully in the future it will change so that you can see him more. I already told Ricky, if he plans on coming once a year for your birthday than I would be more than happy to revisit our arrangement and have it so that the month or so he is in town every year he can spend time with you. Of course he knows my schedule and when you can be available for skype. I even told him to start blogging and that way he can leave you messages. It may not be the same, but at least it shows that he is trying to be a part of your life. Virtually is better than none.
Some people you meet in your life will be as happy as can be AS LONG AS YOU GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANT. When you don't they will say the first thing in their head to hurt you. Just know that when people get upset and they feel cheated, what they say is not what they mean. It's just a thought that they speak out loud. Of course when words are spoken its hard to take back.
I tried my best to be fair with Ricky when it comes to you. And yet I seem to always be the one who gets the blame. I seem to be the one who does not let you spend time with Ricky...Which is odd...because I was the one who stayed with him at your grandmother's house. I was the one who drove you to his house...I was the one who left....I was the one who protected our rights as parents so that neither one of us could screw the other one over...I tried to compromise with Ricky when it came to you before I took it out to court...He could have fought for more...but he didn't. And because he didn't, I'm getting the "I'm the bitch who is keeping you away from your daddy's side" card....But I know the truth, and now so do you. I am not keeping you away. Just like I had choices and decisions to make, so did they.
In due time all will be revealed for you baby girl.
Loving you forever and always,
Mommy
Just like with any other post...where do I begin this post?
There will be times in our lives where we have to decide what we want to do and what we need to do. Unfortunately, we won't be able to decide which is which when those moments are presented. When you look to life for answers, life does not give us the answers we want...it responds with the answers we need.
So Ricky has been gone since December. He's pretty much got himself adjusted to living in New Zealand...and honestly I couldn't be happier for him. I just pray that history does not repeat itself while he's there. It's odd though, while out of the country he rarely contacted me to see how you were doing. Even when he was local he didn't ask much about you. You saw him during his weekends and that was pretty much it. Since he has been gone in December he has not been keeping up with the arrangements that were made in court with helping financially.
He came back on Tuesday, May 29. Daddy Moon and I picked him up from the airport and drove him to the hotel to check-in. During this time I received texts asking if it was possible you would be able to spend time with Ricky's family for the week. That was not happening. I let Ricky know how I felt about it and he was well aware that you would not be going to Houston for the week. As Daddy Moon and I left the hotel, I got a text from Ricky saying that once he leaves, he's done. Now, take it as you may like...but I read it only one way.
The next day his sister and his mom both text me and wanted to say all sorts of stuff...
His mother called me unthoughtful and selfish. His sister said that I am making it difficult for them to see you...And you know what baby girl...I am unthoughtful. I was so unthoughtful I waited 3 years before I decided to take Ricky to court. Not only that but since we've been to court hes only paid 4 1/2 months of child support. I could have filed for contempt of court that he is not paying his child support and guess what, he wouldn't even been able to leave the states until his obligation to you was due. But did I? Have I? No. I was so unthoughtful that when Ricky left, I brought you to see his mother while she was in town. I offered to bring you by the night before when she called, but she was sleeping. So that's my fault how??? Everything that has taken place so far everyone knew well in advance that they could have contacted me and made arrangements so that they could see you and so forth...but they wanted to wait till the last minute to make a decision and think that I was going to drop everything I had planned so that you were going to see them??? HELL NO. First off, if they wanted to see you they could have well in advanced contacted us and made arrangements. Secondly, if they want to see you, they can come over here and see you. Why should I allow you to go see them when they clearly only wanted to deal with you when Ricky was here??? And if proof is needed? Pull up the phone and text records. How many times did they contact me about you? Since Ricky was in town they wanted to throw out the "We are her family too" card? I don't think so. They can come see you. You are NOT going to see them.
Where were they when I was pregnant? They never called to ask how you were doing. They made up excuses for Ricky. Saying that it's possible for him to be there for you but don't have to be there for me. And in that I gave them the benefit of the doubt. He came to ONE doctor appointment, the one when we found out that I would be having a baby girl. And he was there in the delivery room. That was pretty much it for the duration of my pregnancy that he was there. And even after all that I STILL made an effort to make it work to where you would have both Mommy and Daddy in your life. Where were they when you was sick? Where were they when Ricky decided to choose his friends over you? They were the ones who cut me out of their lives as far as communication went. Facebook...there are plenty of photos of you on Mommy's Facebook. I never hid any of that from them. I'm also not gonna add them as a friend cause it's their decision if they want to see how you are. If they decide to add me I will accept it.
Where were they when Ricky threatened me because I did not want to agree with what he wanted? Or when he did not get things his way? Yes, forgive and forget, and frankly I've done my fair share of forgiving and forgetting where you are concerned. And even now...I am still trying. He had opportunities here. It's his own choice he did not try to make it work. So he didn't even have to worry about paying for where he was staying. But yet he couldn't make it so that he could be closer to you? That was the main reason he stayed when your grandmother moved. There were supposedly jobs lined up for him that would have given him opportunities to be closer to you...but he chose a different route. And now I am the one to be made out to be the bad guy?
When Mommy started dating...Ricky wanted NOTHING to do with you. For 9 months he basically didn't give a rat's ass about you and how you were doing. At first he text/email and let me know that he was thinking about you, but after that he didn't contact me until I was single...he came back around for 2 months. He was a great...spent time with you, we all had a good time. he came back into your life. Maybe it's my fault I let him come back into our lives because I did want you to have a relationship with him. And again, when I started dating, the same thing happened. He wanted nothing to do with you. But the more I think about it the more its like a slap in the face. I am sorry baby girl that Ricky is now across seas. Maybe it is my fault that he is overseas, but I tried EVERYTHING in my power to be fair. I don't know what else I can do or say...and even still now I am trying.
I picked you on Friday from the hotel. Initially you were supposed to be with him until your birthday...but Ricky wanted to see his friends and they did not have a carseat. So we decided that I would pick you up on Friday and drive you to see him Saturday. Daddy Moon texted him Saturday after we got off work and he texted back letting us know that he would see you tomorrow. So your birthday came and we woke up early that morning. I texted him at 10 AM. He contacted me around 5 PM that day and let me know that he was someone's house. I let him know that we were currently in a midst of a small get together that Uncle Coty got together for you and that afterwards we would be at Auntie Mommy's house to eat for your birthday. I was not sure when we would be done. I asked Ricky if he would like to skype with you to see you and tell you happy birthday. He told me he was skyping with Thelma. And that he would try to see you later. He didn't see you in person or on skype for your birthday. Monday he was leaving for Houston. Now that alone is another blog...heck, the text messages are another blog...but Mommy had to work Monday. Daddy Moon offered to bring you to see Ricky before he left. He told us he would be leaving around 7 or 8 PM. Daddy Moon was done with work and contacted Ricky at 5 PM...he had already left for Houston. Ricky says that he will be back next year for your birthday. And I hope that he can keep up with the once a year visitations. Hopefully in the future it will change so that you can see him more. I already told Ricky, if he plans on coming once a year for your birthday than I would be more than happy to revisit our arrangement and have it so that the month or so he is in town every year he can spend time with you. Of course he knows my schedule and when you can be available for skype. I even told him to start blogging and that way he can leave you messages. It may not be the same, but at least it shows that he is trying to be a part of your life. Virtually is better than none.
Some people you meet in your life will be as happy as can be AS LONG AS YOU GIVE THEM WHAT THEY WANT. When you don't they will say the first thing in their head to hurt you. Just know that when people get upset and they feel cheated, what they say is not what they mean. It's just a thought that they speak out loud. Of course when words are spoken its hard to take back.
I tried my best to be fair with Ricky when it comes to you. And yet I seem to always be the one who gets the blame. I seem to be the one who does not let you spend time with Ricky...Which is odd...because I was the one who stayed with him at your grandmother's house. I was the one who drove you to his house...I was the one who left....I was the one who protected our rights as parents so that neither one of us could screw the other one over...I tried to compromise with Ricky when it came to you before I took it out to court...He could have fought for more...but he didn't. And because he didn't, I'm getting the "I'm the bitch who is keeping you away from your daddy's side" card....But I know the truth, and now so do you. I am not keeping you away. Just like I had choices and decisions to make, so did they.
In due time all will be revealed for you baby girl.
Loving you forever and always,
Mommy
Sunday, June 3, 2012
Happy 4th Birthday Serenity!!!!
Dear Serenity,
4 years ago at exactly 7:50 PM you entered my world and I have NEVER looked back twice!
You are the single best thing that has ever happened to me and I want you to NEVER forget that.
You are the only one that knows how my heart beats.
You are the only one who can make me smile and cry with a warmth in my heart that I don't even think I can truly explain.
You have blossomed more and more everyday.
Your curiosity puts a smile on my face and sometimes I don't know how I can answer your questions.
You make me speechless.
And frustrated, but in a great way!
The past is the past. The future is unknown. In the present is a always a cherished moment when I am with you.
You are scheduled to start school this year. I hope it all works out for us. I hope that you will understand the decisions I make for you and that you realize I have your best interest at heart. You will never be an option to me. You are my one and only choice.
Your "good mornings" make my mornings bright.
Your screams of "Mommy" gives me a warmth that fills my heart.
Your giggles makes me 10 years younger! (Don't think I will ever look 10 years younger than I am, but my heart is staying young thanks to you)
Your "good nights" give me nothing but sweet dreams.
Your favorite color is purple.
Your favorite food is pizza.
Your favorite toy is your baby dolls.
You say you want to be Dora when you grow up.
I will always love you. No matter how old you get.
Happy birthday Mommy's princess...
4 years ago at exactly 7:50 PM you entered my world and I have NEVER looked back twice!
You are the single best thing that has ever happened to me and I want you to NEVER forget that.
You are the only one that knows how my heart beats.
You are the only one who can make me smile and cry with a warmth in my heart that I don't even think I can truly explain.
You have blossomed more and more everyday.
Your curiosity puts a smile on my face and sometimes I don't know how I can answer your questions.
You make me speechless.
And frustrated, but in a great way!
The past is the past. The future is unknown. In the present is a always a cherished moment when I am with you.
You are scheduled to start school this year. I hope it all works out for us. I hope that you will understand the decisions I make for you and that you realize I have your best interest at heart. You will never be an option to me. You are my one and only choice.
Your "good mornings" make my mornings bright.
Your screams of "Mommy" gives me a warmth that fills my heart.
Your giggles makes me 10 years younger! (Don't think I will ever look 10 years younger than I am, but my heart is staying young thanks to you)
Your "good nights" give me nothing but sweet dreams.
Your favorite color is purple.
Your favorite food is pizza.
Your favorite toy is your baby dolls.
You say you want to be Dora when you grow up.
I will always love you. No matter how old you get.
Happy birthday Mommy's princess...
Monday, May 7, 2012
Where Does the Time Fly???
Dear Serenity,
In less than a month you will be turning 4. It's amazing how much you've grown into such a little lady. Once again, I pray and I hope that I do everything right by you. I hope that you realize that my decisions that I make are ones that at the present moment seems to be the best for the best of us. I sit and ponder, and think that things would be so much easier if I was able to foresee the future. That would defeat the purpose of life's lessons wouldn't it though baby girl?
The days are going by pretty routine now for you. You spend your days being curious and amazed by all the little things that any 3 year old is intrigued with. You still get excited when I leave and come back...your eyes twinkle and light up knowing that Mommy is home, and for me that is one of the greatest feeling that I can ever feel. I will always cherish that feeling.
Remember, no matter how old you get...no matter how much you may know...there is one thing that will never ever change...you will always be my baby girl.
Ricky has been contacting Mommy and asking about you while he is in New Zealand. He is flying home in a few weeks...right before your birthday. He's looking forward to seeing you and spending time with you when he's here. I am not quite sure what the plans are yet while he's here but I'm sure we will figure that out when he gets here.
Mommy and Daddy Moon took you, Bianca, and Veronica to go strawberry picking in Hammond a few weeks ago. You enjoyed it very much. The weather was perfect!!! And you were very helpful ^_^ They gave us these little wooden crates and the plastic baskets...you didn't want to carry the baskets...you wanted the crate...that thing was about as big as you...hahaha...just kidding!
You'd see the strawberries...pick them...eat every other one and put the others in the basket. Had to keep a close eye on you though cause you would pick ALL the strawberries...even if they were not red. And I think you were also torn because you wanted to go with your cousins or Daddy Moon instead of with Mommy since I yelled at you to make sure you got the right strawberries...sorry baby girl. Just keeping a close eye on you...^_~ Regardless, that was a fun day ^_^
Now this picture...this was funny. Grandpa was resting and Mommy did not want you to keep popping those freaking bubbles...So instead of popping them...you placed it over your head and looked at me and said..."Mommy! I'm a princess! Look at my long hair!" :)
We spent some time with Ms. Kimmie and we curled your hair. You were very excited that you were getting your hair curled! And you looked GORGEOUS! That evening when it was time for bed, you didn't want to lay down. Your excuse? It would mess up your hair. So for 2 hours...you stood and sat on your bed...before finally laying down and going to sleep...You woke up the next morning and told me that your hair got messed up >_<
Saturday after Mommy got off work we went out to Ms. Kimmie again. This time we both got manicures and pedicures. We curled your hair again and by the time everything was done, you were all tuckered out! Getting all pretty gets you tired, doesn't it baby girl?
I got this idea in my head...not quite sure how it will work out but I figured it wouldn't be a bad thing to try...
If I take you to get all this done regularly...it will end up in one of two ways...
1- You will LOVE it and will be okay with it...
OR
2- You will HATE it and will not want to do it again for a long long time...
And these, are just one of the VERY VERY few thoughts that run through Mommy's head.
Yesterday was your cousin Bianca's 3rd birthday. For the next 4 weeks you two will be the same age...Then you will be 4. I am not quite sure how to describe your relationship you have with your cousin...When you guys are together...you two never seem to get along...but when you have not seen one another for a long period of time and then you see each other...you guys are the best of friends...at least for the first 5 minutes. You will run up to one another, say your hellos, and hug like there is no tomorrow...Regardless...I hope that you two stay close.
August is fast approaching...I have no idea what I am going to do when it's time for you to start Pre-K. Should I let you go? Should I keep you out till kindergarten? Once again, if I could foresee the future, decisions in the present would be so much easier to make. Just know I WANT you to go to school. Only problem is I'm not quite sure I will have anyone available to be with you when you're out of school. I don't know if anyone can pick you up...I don't know if anyone will be at home if you take the bus...Everything is up in the air right now after your grandpa's surgery. We don't know how much longer his recovery will take...Mommy being home and helping him is also taking a toll on me. I think it's making a big impact on EVERYONE in the family. We have so much going on...I am trying my best to stay away from everyone and I don't know what to do. If my decisions I make will only affect me...I would make them because I know that eventually I will be okay. Now...with you in the picture...Daddy Moon in the picture...I am not quite sure of what to do...
These small moments that we share will forever be etched in my heart and my mind. I want to remember it all...And I will do whatever I can to recall all our fun times and memories.
I hope that by now this blog is beginning to make sense to you. These are the times and memories that you will probably won't be able to remember...and I am doing EVERYTHING I can to make sure that these are memories I will NEVER forget.
Forever and always,
Mommy
In less than a month you will be turning 4. It's amazing how much you've grown into such a little lady. Once again, I pray and I hope that I do everything right by you. I hope that you realize that my decisions that I make are ones that at the present moment seems to be the best for the best of us. I sit and ponder, and think that things would be so much easier if I was able to foresee the future. That would defeat the purpose of life's lessons wouldn't it though baby girl?
The days are going by pretty routine now for you. You spend your days being curious and amazed by all the little things that any 3 year old is intrigued with. You still get excited when I leave and come back...your eyes twinkle and light up knowing that Mommy is home, and for me that is one of the greatest feeling that I can ever feel. I will always cherish that feeling.
Remember, no matter how old you get...no matter how much you may know...there is one thing that will never ever change...you will always be my baby girl.
Ricky has been contacting Mommy and asking about you while he is in New Zealand. He is flying home in a few weeks...right before your birthday. He's looking forward to seeing you and spending time with you when he's here. I am not quite sure what the plans are yet while he's here but I'm sure we will figure that out when he gets here.
Mommy and Daddy Moon took you, Bianca, and Veronica to go strawberry picking in Hammond a few weeks ago. You enjoyed it very much. The weather was perfect!!! And you were very helpful ^_^ They gave us these little wooden crates and the plastic baskets...you didn't want to carry the baskets...you wanted the crate...that thing was about as big as you...hahaha...just kidding!
You'd see the strawberries...pick them...eat every other one and put the others in the basket. Had to keep a close eye on you though cause you would pick ALL the strawberries...even if they were not red. And I think you were also torn because you wanted to go with your cousins or Daddy Moon instead of with Mommy since I yelled at you to make sure you got the right strawberries...sorry baby girl. Just keeping a close eye on you...^_~ Regardless, that was a fun day ^_^
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| The many faces of Serenity Thuong Nguyen ^_^ |
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Saturday after Mommy got off work we went out to Ms. Kimmie again. This time we both got manicures and pedicures. We curled your hair again and by the time everything was done, you were all tuckered out! Getting all pretty gets you tired, doesn't it baby girl?
I got this idea in my head...not quite sure how it will work out but I figured it wouldn't be a bad thing to try...
If I take you to get all this done regularly...it will end up in one of two ways...
1- You will LOVE it and will be okay with it...
OR
2- You will HATE it and will not want to do it again for a long long time...
And these, are just one of the VERY VERY few thoughts that run through Mommy's head.
Yesterday was your cousin Bianca's 3rd birthday. For the next 4 weeks you two will be the same age...Then you will be 4. I am not quite sure how to describe your relationship you have with your cousin...When you guys are together...you two never seem to get along...but when you have not seen one another for a long period of time and then you see each other...you guys are the best of friends...at least for the first 5 minutes. You will run up to one another, say your hellos, and hug like there is no tomorrow...Regardless...I hope that you two stay close.
August is fast approaching...I have no idea what I am going to do when it's time for you to start Pre-K. Should I let you go? Should I keep you out till kindergarten? Once again, if I could foresee the future, decisions in the present would be so much easier to make. Just know I WANT you to go to school. Only problem is I'm not quite sure I will have anyone available to be with you when you're out of school. I don't know if anyone can pick you up...I don't know if anyone will be at home if you take the bus...Everything is up in the air right now after your grandpa's surgery. We don't know how much longer his recovery will take...Mommy being home and helping him is also taking a toll on me. I think it's making a big impact on EVERYONE in the family. We have so much going on...I am trying my best to stay away from everyone and I don't know what to do. If my decisions I make will only affect me...I would make them because I know that eventually I will be okay. Now...with you in the picture...Daddy Moon in the picture...I am not quite sure of what to do...
These small moments that we share will forever be etched in my heart and my mind. I want to remember it all...And I will do whatever I can to recall all our fun times and memories.
I hope that by now this blog is beginning to make sense to you. These are the times and memories that you will probably won't be able to remember...and I am doing EVERYTHING I can to make sure that these are memories I will NEVER forget.
Forever and always,
Mommy
Thursday, February 16, 2012
First Acceptance Letter
Dear Serenity,
Congratulations!!! You've been accepted to the prekindergarten program at Southdowns Elementary!
Will you be going? I have no idea.
Love Mommy
Congratulations!!! You've been accepted to the prekindergarten program at Southdowns Elementary!
Will you be going? I have no idea.
Love Mommy
Saturday, January 14, 2012
A Memory I do Not Want to Forget
Dear Serenity,
The holidays are over and you were given plenty of gifts. One of which was a puzzle set from Auntie Mommy & Daddy Martin. Its a set of wooden puzzles. Each puzzle has different pictures and has about 16 pieces on each one. You had one and Bianca had one. So with a friendly game, I told you and Bianca that the first person to finish putting their puzzle together would get a candy. You both took off taking the puzzle apart and Bianca decided to pile all her pieces on her board. Looked up at me and says, "Di Khe! I'm finished!" You were still working on your puzzle. You were halfway through with your puzzle. You stopped working on your puzzled and helped Bianca. You actually showed her how to put the puzzle together and in the end you help her win. I hope that as you grow older you will continue to help her. I know that you both yell and fight with one another often, but I hope that you will grow up and love her as she is your sister instead of your cousin. You will have a step sister and I pray and hope that you two get along with one another as the time passes.
Ricky has been for awhile now and lately, you've had the chance to Skype with him probably about once a week. Sometimes even more. Each Skype sessions lasted for at least half an hour. Sometimes you'll get to Thelma and Auntie Crystal. Just before Christmas you go to see Nanu and Grandfather Mark. They came in town to visit and spend time with Mimi, Samantha, and Peyton. We spent some time with them and all was well. Nanu would try to come to Baton Rouge at least once a month so that you can visit with her. That way you don't forget about Ricky's side of the family. They love you like I do. But remember one thing, they will NEVER love you as much as I do.
Next weekend there is a Pre K Palooza at the mall of Cortana. You are old enough to start Pre K! It's so exciting!!! We'll be attending so that I can get the application and get you enrolled. Aren't you excited? I am! YAY!!! Of course, there is no guarantee that you will be accepted to where I am enrolling you, but there's a high possibility. I am keeping my fingers crossed!
This year will not be so stressful as last year for us. I promise. We rung in the New Year with style at Aunt Diana & Uncle Boi's house in Prairieville. Christmas at a bit of everyone's house...and I know you enjoyed it. Your birthday will be fast approaching and I am debating if I want to do a Disney Princess theme party or if I should do a Candyland theme party. Really would like to do a crawfish boil so I'll have to look into that too.
Another thing I would like to do is something I found on Pinterest. Its a list of 101 Things to Do with Your Toddler. Don't know when we will start...but when that day comes, I know it will be a great journey for you and I. Here is the list of ideas straight from the website:
Remember, Mommy loves you :)
The holidays are over and you were given plenty of gifts. One of which was a puzzle set from Auntie Mommy & Daddy Martin. Its a set of wooden puzzles. Each puzzle has different pictures and has about 16 pieces on each one. You had one and Bianca had one. So with a friendly game, I told you and Bianca that the first person to finish putting their puzzle together would get a candy. You both took off taking the puzzle apart and Bianca decided to pile all her pieces on her board. Looked up at me and says, "Di Khe! I'm finished!" You were still working on your puzzle. You were halfway through with your puzzle. You stopped working on your puzzled and helped Bianca. You actually showed her how to put the puzzle together and in the end you help her win. I hope that as you grow older you will continue to help her. I know that you both yell and fight with one another often, but I hope that you will grow up and love her as she is your sister instead of your cousin. You will have a step sister and I pray and hope that you two get along with one another as the time passes.
Ricky has been for awhile now and lately, you've had the chance to Skype with him probably about once a week. Sometimes even more. Each Skype sessions lasted for at least half an hour. Sometimes you'll get to Thelma and Auntie Crystal. Just before Christmas you go to see Nanu and Grandfather Mark. They came in town to visit and spend time with Mimi, Samantha, and Peyton. We spent some time with them and all was well. Nanu would try to come to Baton Rouge at least once a month so that you can visit with her. That way you don't forget about Ricky's side of the family. They love you like I do. But remember one thing, they will NEVER love you as much as I do.
Next weekend there is a Pre K Palooza at the mall of Cortana. You are old enough to start Pre K! It's so exciting!!! We'll be attending so that I can get the application and get you enrolled. Aren't you excited? I am! YAY!!! Of course, there is no guarantee that you will be accepted to where I am enrolling you, but there's a high possibility. I am keeping my fingers crossed!
This year will not be so stressful as last year for us. I promise. We rung in the New Year with style at Aunt Diana & Uncle Boi's house in Prairieville. Christmas at a bit of everyone's house...and I know you enjoyed it. Your birthday will be fast approaching and I am debating if I want to do a Disney Princess theme party or if I should do a Candyland theme party. Really would like to do a crawfish boil so I'll have to look into that too.
Another thing I would like to do is something I found on Pinterest. Its a list of 101 Things to Do with Your Toddler. Don't know when we will start...but when that day comes, I know it will be a great journey for you and I. Here is the list of ideas straight from the website:
- Color
- Blow Bubbles
- Play Hide-and-Seek
- Peek-a-Boo
- Play Chase
- Do Finger-plays
- Sing a song
- Collect rocks in a basket
- Make an obstacle course out of cushions and/or furniture
- Make a fort out of cushions and sheets
- Go for a Walk
- Make a Car out of a Box
- Read a book
- Go to the park
- Finger-paint
- Play with Play-Dough
- Toss Bean bags into a Bucket
- Play the shell and pea game
- Dance to music
- Download games for toddlers from the Internet
- Practice putting things in and taking things out of boxes and bags
- Make a temporary slide out of a table leaf and your couch
- Roll a ball back and forth on the floor
- Scoop dirt or sand into a child's bucket (or use a serving spoon and bowl)
- Practice climbing by stacking boxes on top of each other (only with adult supervision)
- Put on a puppet show
- Go fishing with a yard stick and yarn
- Make a Horseshoe game
- Make a Shape Puzzle
- Play paper basketball
- Run through a Sprinkler
- Play with a bucket of water and a sponge (PLEASE WATCH CHILD AT ALL TIMES!)
- Make a Drum out of an oatmeal box
- Play with a kazoo
- Wash windows together
- Bang on Pots and Pans with a spoon
- Brush each other's teeth
- Play dress-up with stuffed animals and your child's clothes
- Stack canned or boxed food on top of each other
- Let child stack mixing bowls inside each other
- Make a playhouse out of a large box
- Let child play with a sticker sheet (make sure your child doesn't eat them!)
- Put stickers on fingers for finger puppets
- Play a musical instrument together- i.e.recorder, piano, etc.
- Go on a Smelling Hunt
- Frost Cookies
- Plant a flower or vegetable plant together
- Roll a tennis ball into an empty trash can or bucket
- Draw on a mirror with dry-erase markers
- Play hide and seek together- trying to find a stuffed animal or other object
- Have a splash party together in the bathtub
- Put a leash on a stuffed animal and walk around the house
- Record each other on a tape recorder (great for scrapbooks or journals!)
- Make and try on paper hats
- Give a piggy-back ride
- Play "Horsey"
- Talk into an electric fan (it distorts your voice)
- Play tug-of-war with a blanket
- Collect flowers (felt, artificial, real...)
- Make a camera and go on a Safari
- Play games with frozen juice lids
- Disconnect your phone and pretend to make phone calls to relatives
- Leave your phone connected and really make phone calls to relatives- let your child talk too
- String large beads onto or along a shoelace
- Squirt each other with squirt bottles
- Glue shapes onto paper
- Make sock puppets
- Make paper puppets
- Fill an old purse with toys
- Use a paper towel tube as a megaphone
- Make binoculars and go "Bird Watching" or "Stuffed Animal Watching"
- Put snacks in different fun containers (paper sacks, empty canisters, etc.)
- Act out a story from a book
- Walk on a balance beam- use a 2x4 placed on the ground
- Draw with chalk on the sidewalk
- Sketch an outline of your child on the sidewalk or paper with chalk
- Paint child's palms with tempura paint and blot on paper. Makes a great card for loved ones!
- Put lipstick on child and kiss a mirror
- Make a puddle on cement and splash barefoot in it
- Let child decorate and eat an open peanut butter sandwich
- Make a toilet paper barricade for child to go under, over, or through
- Do the Hokey Pokey
- Make a super-hero costume out of household items
- Do Knee-Bouncing Rhymes
- Play "Red Light, Green Light" saying "Go" and "Stop"
- Make a shoe-box train for stuffed animals
- Make a pillow pile to jump on (keep it clear from any hard surfaces, including walls!)
- Make an easy puzzle with felt and Velcro
- Make bracelets or collars for stuffed animals out of pipe cleaners and jingle bells
- Learn numbers from a deck of cards
- Play the matching game with a deck of cards
- Make a domino chain
- Have a picnic in the park, backyard, or living room!
- Play dress up in Mommy or Daddy's clothes
- Make a tin cup telephone and talk to each other in it
- Make a nature collage
- Mirror each other
- Make a "Mummy Mommy" with toilet paper
- Make a tape recording of short music selections and instructions to move in different ways
- Make and walk along a toilet paper trail
- TAKE A NAP!
Remember, Mommy loves you :)
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