I wondered when the next time that I would write in my blog would be, after having Hailey here for a sleepover last night it would have to be now. A typical day for me usually starts at about 5:30a.m. This time of year it is pitch black and freezing outside. Most of my friends say that I am a creature of habit, that I work too much, and I barely know how to relax. This morning was totally different. As I lie beside Hailey patiently waiting for her to wake up. I can't help but pause... savor the moment, I really miss her since the kids moved out a few months ago. She looks so peaceful (they say that kids with Cerebral Palsy are only still while they are completely at rest) as the morning sun shines on her beautiful face, I can't believe that I am still. Hailey certainly has a way of making me slow down. I wonder if she will wake up in a good mood or if she will be crabby when she finds she is not at her new home. A little bit of time goes by and she begins rubbing her eyes. As they slowly begin to open, I look at her and say "good morning sunshine" and though Hailey is considered non verbal at this point, she looks at me, and in a very soft tired voice she says the one word she can say clearly... "Hi". I say "Can Grammy please have some Monday morning kisses?" I lean over to give her a little kiss and instead, she puts her hands together and signs exactly what she always signs when she sees me. Hailey wants me to read her a book. I tell her " No honey, we can't read a book right now, we have to go eat, Hailey has an 11:00 appointment with one of her therapist. I'll never have enough time to read, cook, feed her and get us both dressed and be on time for her appointment if I start reading. I need to be firm. I shouldn't give in. Again... Hailey gives me the sign to read a book. How can I say no when it is so difficult for her to communicate. I can't.

That was this mornings news, did you hear Thursday nights news? If most of you are on facebook you've heard, but for those who are not let me set the scene. It was Thursday night, the kids just got home put Hailey down on the floor and went to get their pajamas on, when they came out of their room a minute later, Hailey was up on her knees!!! That's right, she rolled over curled her body and lifted herself up on her knees for the first time. This was such exciting news! Though I said I will not cry for Hailey anymore, I couldn't help but shed a silent tear when they told me. It's little things like this that we take for granted everyday. But for Hailey this is huge, My family is filled with hope.

For those of you who know Hailey personally, you know that she is a fighter. She fought to come in this world, she then fought to stay in this world. It's because of her will and determination that I will never, ever underestimate what Hailey can accomplish. I am so proud of you Hailey! xoxo