6 Months Old!

I can't believe we are a half a year into this already! Naiya is such a cute little chunky monkey. Her crazy hair brings us many laughs, especially when Bo makes her kick her legs and sings "We represent the lollipop kids". She absolutely adores Melia and watches her with a smile wherever she goes. Melia can also make her laugh harder than any of us can. I'm glad they have a good relationship so far. Naiya has been having some constipation trouble, so that's made feedings not so fun lately. But we've been looking into some things that will hopefully help. She is sitting up on her own now, but can basically be pushed over by a fly, so she's currently working on her core strength. This week, we bought Melia new sparkly princess shoes that she's in love with--so much so that they snuck their way into Naiya's 6 month birthday pictures. :)

What a Little Sweetie

Melia (while handing her first tithing envelope to the Bishop): "Here's my money for Jesus. Can you hold it for him?"

Arrgh...I'm One of Those Moms

Monday was Melia's first day of her Tiny Tots preschool class. She was so excited to finally be able to go to school! She has been talking about it for like a month now. When we got there, she was a little unsure at first, but then started playing with the toys and I said good bye to her. On my way home, I started having all of these feelings--This was the first time I was leaving my child with complete strangers in a new environment where she is facing the world all on her own. I know she is totally capable but there's something about a mother's instinct where you just want to protect your child and keep them safe from harm. I don't know exactly everything that I was feeling, but I did it--I cried. I am one of those moms that cries when they drop their kids off at school on the first day. As a kindergarten teacher, I saw it happen many times and never in a million years did I think I would be doing it, but I did. I admit it. At least I didn't do it until I had already dropped her off and had gone back home. Anyway, when I went to pick her up after her class was over, she ran up to me and gave me a big hug and started to tell me all about what they did in class. Her teacher said she was a delight and that she danced for them and just really enjoyed herself. They said she asked where I was one time and they told her that they had one more activity to do before I would come to pick her up. She said, "Ok." and went back to what she was doing. I don't know what I was worried about. :) She told me all about everything all the way home and about how much fun she had and how she loved school. Today was her second day and it went great. I didn't cry this time. :)

My First Battle Wound

So after 5 years of dog training, I actually got bitten--courtesy of Snowy, the fearful aggressive Australian Shepherd. I have been nipped at before, but never had a dog break the skin. Luckily, it wasn't that bad and I was able to remain calm, correct her, and then continue to take her for a walk. The important thing is not to freak out and become fearful because then you're in no position to help rehabilitate the dog so she can obtain a more balanced state of mind. Although I did not love getting bitten, I love the work that I do and every experience teaches me something new. What did I learn from this? 1. Don't wear shorts while working with big, fearful aggressive dogs. And 2. Charge the client more if their dog bites me. :)