Our sweet butterfly is napping right now. I'm sitting next to her listening to the rhythmic pattern of her bipap helping her to breathe and I can't not be right by her side. I'm so, so glad to be feeling better just so I can be near my little girl again. She's had a busy morning of horse races, feeding her farm animals, and putting them all back in their wooden barn. We then snuggled up and read tons of books, giggled at the silly rhymes in her stories, and gave each other elbow kisses (still being careful). I love her — more than I can possibly ever describe.
Sooo — lots of “Good Things” this week and one common theme throughout is Bill aka Daddy. With me sick and especially this type of chesty lung sick that would be detrimental to Gwendolyn, I was down for the count and so it has been almost 100% Camp Daddy. Gwendolyn and Bill have such a special relationship — they always have. He was the first to change her diaper. He bounced and rocked her and burped her every night after I nursed her as a tiny babe. And they still have their special Daddy/daughter time that is just between them. This week Gwendolyn was in heaven to have Daddy all to herself (I think she missed me a little 
).
1) Morning Walks, Eye Spy, and Wedding Dresses. Some of the things that are Gwendolyn's favorite are the routine things they do. Morning walks are one example. Gwendolyn loves getting out… being in the fresh air… people watching — she's a social gal, but it is the games Daddy initiates on the walks that makes their time so special. A few months ago Bill started playing Eye Spy along the way and it is simply adorable to see Gwendolyn's eyes dart around looking for the “purple” or the “green” or the “blue” item Daddy is thinking of. Nine times out of ten she nails it — clever girl. And lately Bill has taken to stopping with Gwendolyn and window shopping in front of the different bridal boutiques (yes, he did this all on his own accord). They pick which dress is the most princess-like or which one is the most sparkly. And Gwendolyn flat out loves it…especially with her Daddy. I tried to replicate it a few weeks ago, but Gwendolyn looked at me with an indignant expression that said, “Mom! That's my thing with Daddy! Move along.”
2) Kissing Hands. Every night when Bill kisses Gwendolyn goodnight, he gives her two big kisses — one in each hand and then folds her fingers around it. He tells her that if she needs a special kiss in the night to just open up her hand and his kiss will “smack her on the cheek.” And in the morning, he always asks if she needed her kiss that night. She thinks about it seriously before responding – sometimes yes and sometimes no. I love that this routine makes her feel safe and special.
3) Preschool. Daddy took Gwendolyn to school this week by himself and she wanted to show him everything. And there were some new things this week that she loved. They had a music time and Gwendolyn got a turn just like all the other children. (She always looks to see what they are doing.) She got to try some gardening and have a go at shoveling the dirt and breaking up the mud clumps, but what really floated her boat was getting to hold a tiny salamander and watch its teeny legs walk up her arm. She loved that! They did some big time swinging and some serious glitter art. They also played dress up and Daddy looks great in an angel crown
4) Power Chair. You all saw the new power chair video and Gwendolyn did great. She was so proud of herself she practically puffed up like a peacock! We are getting closer to bringing this puppy home!
5) Daddy Dates. Bill and Gwendolyn always go on weekly breakfast dates, usually on Saturday morning so I can sleep in a bit, and they've done a lot more this week. They have also been going to the zoo and park a lot lately. She loves her special Daddy dates!
6) Family Fun. I was finally feeling better on Saturday and so we headed out to have an early dinner at our favorite beach spot. I know it is probably pretty annoying to those being hit by yet another winter storm, but, yes, it was 70 degrees in Santa Barbara this weekend and it was gorgeous. Gwendolyn loves being at the beach. She looks for birds, watches the waves, and listens to her princess music as the sun sets. Ahh. And I was in heaven to finally be next to my two favorite people again!!!