Paper Dolls

Dear Caida,

You moved in with Paul and me last month, and being around you all the time, I just laugh and smile at all the precious things you do every day.  I wanted to write them all down for you, but I decided that if I tried to write you a bunch of letters, you probably wouldn't have them around when you're old enough to really appreciate them.  So, I started this blog for you, full of letters meant for your eyes only.  Maybe someday they'll make you smile as much as you make me smile!

Today you opened a few (Dollar Tree) beauty supplies and we played hairdresser...but it wasn't enough to just curl and style my hair, you had to make me a dress and crown so that I could be a true *princess* for my "date" tonight.  I felt like a paper doll.  Maybe someday soon I'll introduce those to you! 

Here's my crown:

And here's my dress:

Then you got on the piano and serenaded me as my "prince," insisting we get married right away and have lots and lots of kids.  I laughed and asked, "Right NOW?"  You said, "Yes, I know what to do, we'll go to the doctor and get lots of children."  If only it were that simple--I'd have a little cousin for you to play with by now.  :) 

As it is, though, I *love* having you around.  I know that you've spent much of your life being ping-ponged around in the family, and I'm sure your journey is only just beginning.  On top of that, your seizures are scary for everyone, all the time, and you have to take nasty medicine morning and night.  Your life isn't easy, and other kids might complain if they had to deal with all of that.  But not you!  You are quick with smiles, jokes, and "I love you"s and, like your mom and aunts and grandma, are always trying to do the right thing.  You might not get there every moment of every day, but you sure are trying, and I think that's what matters.  And, no matter what anyone else tells you or whatever you might feel someday, you have a TON of people who love you--especially us women--and who would do literally anything and everything they can to help you lead a happy life.  Yet it is YOU who make OUR lives happier, just by being in it, just by being YOU.  I hope you feel that from us, and can forgive us when we sometimes make mistakes.  Those mistakes are made in love.

Love Always,

Aunt Celeste