GIFTS from MY DAUGHTER

Exactly three years ago today, I woke up at 7:00a.  As I looked around the room and noticed it was light outside it hit me:  I had slept through the night.  I frantically sat up and looked at my 4 week old daughter sleeping soundly in her bassinet just a short distance from me.

On that day, my daughter gave me the greatest Valentine's Day present of all by sleeping through the night.   And, once I  knew she was breathing and totally fine, I was able to lay back down in bed and enjoy a few more hours of bliss.

My daughter gave me two other great presents for Valentine's Day this year.  On Sunday, we went to church {I was tempted to skip, believe me} and we decided at the last minute to sit in the chapel.  As church began, my daughter sat quietly on her daddy's lap and I was able to keep her entertained with books and treats all throughout the meeting.  She was so well-behaved I almost couldn't believe it.  

Yesterday, we started week two of potty training.  My daughter is fighting the change with all her might.  I sincerely believe she knows what to do, she just doesn't want to do it.  This is totally in character for her, and I knew she would not be one of those kids trained in a few days.  

Anyway, Monday morning rolled around.  I put her in just a T-shirt and waited for her to have an accident so I could quickly run her to her potty.  I've learned that putting her on the potty every 10, 20, 30 minutes only leads to a complete meltdown, so our strategy is to catch her in the act and go from there.  After hours of being awake and no accidents I knew my daughter was getting close to not being able to hold it anymore.  As I watched her cross her legs and look completely rigid as she walked around the house, I wondered when she was going to let it go and stop fighting the change.

Then, as I was cleaning up after lunch, she said, "I wanna go potty."  I said, "Ok."  She then sat on her potty and went.  She was so excited, and I was so excited.  We hugged for a long time.  It was great progress, another milestone.  We called my husband at work to share the great news, and for a split second, I could see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Because Valentine's Day is all about expressing love to those you care most about, I find it ironic that my daughter chooses this time of year to be at her best or to hit certain milestones.  I can't help but love this holiday more and more.

Happy Valentine's Day!