Abiella Riding a Horse!

This week I had the unbelievable honor of watching Abiella ride a HORSE!!! Yep, she did it and she L-O-V-E-D it. Like mama like daughter! I grew up riding horses so to see my daughter on one for the first time was especially emotional- but even more than that was the huge wave of reality that came over me while I was standing there cheering her on.  Just 10 months ago Abiella was confined to a crib in a large government orphanage. There were so many children in there and such low funding. When I inquired about her cough during our first visit, the orphanage nurse told me point blank: "These babies are on their back 22 hours a day, they're going to develop a cough." To remember the child I first held, who appeared partially blind, almost completely deaf, and little to no movement in her limbs... To the child I see today... kicking, laughing, SEEING, HEARING, communicating in her own way, and now RIDING A HORSE. It is a miracle.

It was truly one of those incredible "I can't believe what I'm seeing" hit-you-in-your-chest, REAL, life moments. My cheeks are still sore from smiling :) She will be riding once a week and I can't wait until next time!

Happy Thursday from one grateful mama!

mae mae

Tattoo

It's no secret that I'm a fan of tattoos. I like them on men... women... children... just kidding. NOT on children. Unless that's part of their culture, in which case, carry on. But in all seriousness, tattoos are just kind of my thing. I might stalk you in the grocery store, ask about the meaning of your tattoo, inquire about the artist, comment on the shading... I mean, I'm a fan. (PAUSE: There are some really BAD tattoos out there. I grimace and cringe and feel my stomach tighten when I see one. Gosh- that must be a hard pill to swallow... I just always really hope THEY like it, and if they don't, that they magically convince themselves that it's awesome- or they get it fixed.  But good grief- that's a lot of money/pain for some unfortunate art.)

All that to say, I have no tattoos.

But that doesn't stop me from oohing and awwing over others... Here are some I love.

Happy Monday Night Folks. 

mae

Happy Sunday friends. 

mae