This is our 2nd New Year with our little Eliza. As I write this post, she is smoothering her Daddy with kisses. She just finished telling her Daddy that she is giving him lots of kisses and they are fun. " She just made her kisses and they are fun." Her Daddy had a 78 hour work week because it is one of the car industries busiest weeks of the year. She has not seen her Daddy a lot so she told him when he came home. "Daddy, I love you all day." That is her version of I LOVE you the most. It is too stinkin' cute. She has gotten out of the habit of sleeping in her own bed and now sleeps with us. She tries very hard every night to entertain her father with singing, finger plays and playing a game called "Kisses or Tickles." She asks her Daddy what he wants... then she gives it to him. He obliges by laughing. She is so sweet, when he says kisses, she grabs his face, and turns his head and kisses him on his "cheekys" as she calls them.
Our friend Amber invited us over for a New Years with the kiddos. It is great because the kids get to play and we can talk and hang out. Thanks to great friends for hosting a family friendly New Years when we can still be safe at home before midnight and off the roads.
As I end this post for the night, I think of my cousin Katie who tragically lost her life to a careless mistake that her boyfriend made. My cousins Larry, Laura and Cody have incredible strength. As I can not fully grasp the pain and loss that they feel, I do know that they would rather have Katie with them. As many people celebrate the New Year, make plans for the next year, and make resolutions my cousins remember her and spend time as a family celebrating her life. Her smile was infectious, her sweet nature would light up a room. As I have for the last few years, I will light a candle tonight in memory not of her death but rather the light that she brought to many though her life.
( Richard thinks he left the camera in the car from tonights earlier pics but, this is her at 11:00 pm at night, playing with her post while her Daddy tries to sleep.)
