May She (A Prayer for My Daughter)

May she hold her dreams firmly.
May she let go of disappointments easily.
May she see the strength and commitment of those who care for her.
May she offer forgiveness to those who hurt her.
May she learn patience because it's been shown to her.
May she grow to understand what real happiness is.
May she give to others and receive more in return.
May she learn to be gentle with herself and with others.
May she know how much she is loved.

A big old Riley update

Wow, it's been a while since I updated Riley's blog. She's quite the little crazy these days. Growing every single day and getting more personality and more attitude (yes, it's scary) every single second. Right now, she:

• Knows all her colors and shapes. Her favorite color is PINK, but she admits to liking purple too.

• Has several favorite dolls that she carries around and creates stories about. You already have met 'Baby Nuggets', but there is also 'Larlo', 'Tuesday', and 'Carol' (pictured here).
• Likes movies and popcorn.
• Has the funniest little vocabulary, consisting of words like "polkanut" (polkadot), "ponynail" (nail polish) and "pinkerbell" (self-explanatory).
  
• Loves to take baths and will happily play for an hour in the tub.
• Sings the ABC's with vigor every time she sees letters, which means very loud singing every morning when I drop her off at her daycare, located at the YWCA.
• Her favorite foods are chicken nuggets and fries and chocolate milk. She holds a special place in her heart for bacon, however, and recently ate more than half a pound while I wasn't looking.
• Loves to help cook dinner and decorate cookies or cupcakes.
  
• Loves makeup and perfume and all things girly, especially "yipstick". If mom is wearing a dress, Riley must also be wearing a dress. If mom is wearing heels, Riley must also be wearing heels. Yet she still plays like a rough-and-tumble boy at daycare.
• Loves to put on the i-pod and DANCE! Her favorite song is "Don't stop the music" by Rhianna, with "Love Story" by Taylor Swift a close second. Usually, her tights go on OVER her pants for these parties. Check out the fashion statement in this pic.
• Loves to sing "Happy Birthday" while in the car. Usually to Grandma Nita, but sometimes to Aunt Becky or her mommy.
  
• Stages elaborate tea parties, complete with princess costumes and invited guests. Buzz Lightyear has been honored at these gatherings, as has Surfer Ken and Doctor Barbie.
• Gives the best kisses and hugs and loves to "snuggle me" any chance she gets.
• Is getting super long hair, which she hates having combed, but cries when I ask her if she wants to cut it. She loves getting her bangs trimmed, though.
• Is a mama's girl and we love to spend time together. Her favorite activities right now are swimming and shopping. Yep, she's my girl.

Oh, how I love this girl.