Blessings in Florida

Dear Livvy-

You are so lucky or should I say blessed? You just returned from Florida after visiting your Granny and Grandpa Glancy for the 4th time in your short 18 months! You and I had a blast during the 2 weeks we were there. We were only scheduled to stay for a week, but we were having so much fun(and Granny couldn't bear to see you go) that we extended our stay for a whole week. It was fantastic. You were able to play with Uncle Andrew and Aunt Tiff, and also Uncle Jordan and Aunt Sarah. They love you so much, aren't you lucky?!

At the end of each day, I couldn't help but think how blessed/lucky you (we) are, and why? Here's a list:

1-You have a great family who adores you, and loves you no matter what! You found your vocal chords while we were in Florida, using them to demand attention or for any other desire with a high pitched scream that deafened the ears. But everyone endured it with a big smile. You also got sick the first day we were there and each family member took their turn at patiently wiping your nose or helping me suction you out before bed because you are way too strong for mama alone(this could be an episode on "dirty jobs"). They even let you snuggle them or give them kisses with that snotty nose, shrugging it off because everything can be washed or wiped up after. And one last thing....you cut 5 teeth while we were there, including four molars. Cranky? A little, but no one seemed to notice.

2-You have a quick, keen mind! You learn so quickly, and pick up on things in a flash. You began saying "Bye-Bye, Nana (banana), Night-Night, Jordan, Wow!, Yeah!, Thank-you (instead of your quick, snappy, one-syllable, adorable, "thanks"), and Bye-Bye Daddy" while we were in Florida. You also learned very quickly that walnuts from Granny's nut bowl fit inside everything and that you don't like grapes, bananas, or broccoli anymore. You learned that Granny will give you Diet Coke if you just ask :) and that if you point to the door enough times, Aunt Sarah will eventually take you out and let you dip your feet in the pool. You also learned that dogs are not so bad. The first day we were there you would yelp anytime Penny came near you, but by the time you left, Penny was running from you for fear that you would pinch her, or pull her tail.

3- You have health insurance! Statistics say that more than 9 million kids in the U.S don't, so for this, you are blessed. And a good thing it is!!! We were able to use it at the Urgent Care Clinic in Florida for your 103.1 degree temp, double ear infections, and a cough/congestion that the doctor warned us was bad enough that it could easily turn into pneumonia. We were able to fill two prescriptions, and buy Sudafed, Robitussin, Tylenol and Benadryl. (And don't forget the new nose sucker....)

4-You live in a free country where your mom and dad are able to vote for their leaders and you eventually will be able to as well. We were in Florida for the Presidential election this year. I stood in line for an hour and a half so that I could vote early before we left. The night of the election, we ate yummy soup and worked on a puzzle while we watched history in the making. America voted in our first "Black" President, Barack Obama. He is expected to bring great change for us. You were in bed long before Obama was announced the winner, but he made history, history that shows that in America, anything can be accomplished. If nothing else good comes out of this election (which I doubt will be the case), remember, that this is a prime example that as an American, you are blessed with freedom and rights that allow you to do anything you can dream of, PLEASE DO NOT TAKE THIS FOR GRANTED!

5- You have been more places and done more things in 18 months than some get to do in a lifetime. Just this trip, you went to the beach where you chased seagulls, had a picnic (where the seagulls snatched a whole piece of chicken right out of our hands...it scared us to death) and played in the sand. We also went to Ellenton outlets for shopping, a few fun consignment shops and Busch Gardens. You were able to ride the "animal train" at Busch Gardens just like the one Granny gave you for Christmas. You also chased the birds and squirrles and petted the Clydesdale horses. You were in awe. You swam in "the boat" (naked), went running with mama, and ran errands solo with Granny. And, it was your first planeride where you were able to sit in the seat instead of your carrier. You were able to watch out the window and discovered that you love clouds (this new plane experience for mama, as I described it to daddy was "church times ten" or in other words, exhausting).

Always be grateful for everything you have, even the tinniest things. Every minute of life is filled with a blessing, whether great or small. The challenge lies in being able to recognize each one.

Love,

Mom