Two summers ago, these two little girls came unexpectedly into my life. Unexpected because I did NOT want to date anyone who had children. Not because of the children, I love kids. It’s the other parent I have problems with and that messy situation is a little too much, so I thought. There’s plenty of single childless men in the sea, right?
But…….the man upstairs had other plans (and isn’t that JUST what I get for thinking that?).
I am glad he knows better than I, because what I would have missed……. here they come two big-eyed dark headed shy little girls into my heart. I met Molly before Bridget and talked about it in her birthday post here.
I met Bridget a few days after her 2nd birthday, July 4th. It was in the garage. Jason had pulled the Commander in and was getting them out of the car. She was clinging to her daddy like a little monkey. Her head on his big shoulder, her arms tight around him. All I could see were those chubba cheeks with pigtails.
Bridget on the right, at almost two years old.
She didn’t smile. She didn’t laugh, just ducked her head not looking at me. But oh! She was precious. She was a BABY. I couldn’t believe how little she was. I, like any normal person, wanted to squeeze her to death, and pinch her little cheeks. But she would have none of me. That’s okay. One thing I am, is VERY patient.
We trekked to a ridge in Fort Worth to set up chairs to watch fireworks, since Dad had three chairs, a blanket, and a cooler to tote. Guess who got her hands on chubba cheeks? Squeee!
Up we went and got settled. She wasn’t so afraid of me after that. She sat in the chair next to me and stuffed her little chubba cheeks with peanuts. Fascinating how many they could hold.
We had a good time and she even let me carry her down the hill back to the car. But let me tell you something. Steep hill + flip-flops + child in arms + plus four-year old child in hand = FALL.
Yep, I fell. She cried, and really didn’t want much to do with me after that. Can you blame her?
She stayed Daddy’s girl for a long, long time….
Until I was safe…..and she was sure I was safe, ha!
I think it was October 2009 when our breakthrough occurred. She let me carry her after the State Fair, and she would NOT go to Daddy, or let him hold her. Only me. I had arrived in shy baby’s world.
Today, life with her is amazing. She is the kindest, sweetest baby girl. She gives the best hugs, the best cheesy grins, and she will pat and rub to her heart’s content as she lays her head down in comfort next to mine.
Shy baby chubba chubba cheeks, how I adore you. Your smile lights my world and your heart sings the sweetest song to mine.
Happy, Happy Fourth Birthday! My how you have grown into a BEAUTIFUL little girl.
Living, Loving, Laughing.... 