Happy Birthday to Me

On Wednesday, I turned 39.  The night before, I received the most unexpected and incredible birthday gift from a complete stranger.  She posted some orphanage pictures during the time that my Gracie was there. When I read the message on my phone, I kept hoping and hoping that maybe I would be able to see her at 6 1/2 months old.  Of course, technology was not working with me that day.  Finally after trying and trying to get it to come up on my phone, I tried my school laptop.  I didn't think it would come up because we have a lot of filters.  Lo and behold I was able to access my orphanage group and at first, I didn't see my girl.  But when I flipped through to wardsthe end, I thought, that one up front sure looks like my her, could it be???  I printed it out and asked Shannon.  I wanted to make sure I wasn't seeing things.  Yep, lo and behold my girl was sitting in a walker with the same look she does.  I was so excited.  I had another piece of my baby's puzzle.  That was the best feeling of the year.  I am so eternally grateful to that mom.  It was the best present ever.

Speaking of presents, my friend Shannon gave me a great giftcard and her words to me were this..."You it on yourself and not Grace."  I love it!  She knows me too well and how I have a hard time spending money on me and don't bat an eye spending money on my girl.  I used to be the one who had all of the cute clothes.  Now I'm a scrounger of my closet.  I think we moms tend to do that but I'm learning it is okay to buy cute clothes too.  I finally got my hair cut and colored on my birthday.  So, it's kind of a goal to do a little better in the clothing, makeup and hair department.  It hurt when my mom said that I let myself go.  It was brutally honest.  At the time, I didn't like to hear it.  But, I think I needed to hear it and was ready to hear it.  So, I'm going to get back to at least caring about my appearance! 

And...another cool thing, I'm going to go see Rock of Ages with Shannon, her hubby and one of their family members.  I can't wait!  It's not until May but it is something to look forward to.  That and the coast. 

Things have been good.  We went back to the doctor for another strep test to be on the safe side and she tested negative again.  We think it's the oak that is making her mocoso and yucky coughing at night.  I'm just praying and praying we'll keep being healthy and strong.  We have surgery this summer and we all need to be healthy and ready and cute!!!!!