Filter PLEASE!

Do you want to know what is so wonderful about having a four year old who LOVES to talk... she tells the world all of your secrets- big and small, significant or otherwise- to all who will listen; strangers included. It is just grand to not have any privacy anymore. Can you sense the sarcasm?

I remember when I was little my younger sister had the same 'tongue slipping' problem. We were all terrified of what she was going to say, and my mom often stood next to her with a hand ready to cover the little mouth that never stopped. It appears this same problem has been passed down to my child. Hooray for me.

I should also add that I don't really have any dirty secrets to hide, but I don't like for people to know all of my business. Like... my house isn't always spotless, or I don't like to wear pants at home, or that my 'boobies are fun to poke'... so on and so forth. you get the idea. Let's just say that courtesy of my pre-schooler, strangers know a lot more about me than I wish they would. I find myself hoovering over Haley a lot, hand ready to cover her mouth before something terribly embarassing falls out. Well, hopefully.

How do you teach the difference between pure honesty and just saying a little too much?

Ah... the joys of parenthood!

Kindness Matters

Almost four years ago, my little Haley was born. She was tiny, and beautiful, and just a little bit different than most newborns. Haley was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate. Over the years, her lip has been made into one, her palate has been closed, tubes have been placed in her ears and her nose has been contoured more than once. Some people may notice her faint scars, but many don't. She is a beautiful little girl with big brown eyes that sparkle. She is intelligent, and creative and LOVES to talk. She is constantly talking... CONSTANTLY!

When Haley was first released from the hospital NICU, I was nervous to take her out into the public. I wanted to protect her, and I was afraid that people might make comments or stare. I had even bought a special carrier to conceal her little body- which I still feel ashamed for doing. Haley didn't let me use the carrier, in fact, she wanted nothing to do with it. She wanted to see the world, and in turn the world saw her. There were comments. Some people stared, some pointed. I expected that. What I didn't expect were the wonderful strangers who approached me to tell me just how beautiful my little baby was. For every naysayer, there seemed to be someone who could look past Haley's physical differences, and see a beautiful child of God. Their kindness made such a difference to me- these strangers will never know of the peace they gave to me.

Life has changed very much since those first few months before Haley's surgery. People no longer point or stare... but we still get approached quite often. Mostly by the senior citizens who want to tickle toes and get a toothy grins from the girls. Haley is always getting questions thrown her way- she answers, but often times the people (who always mean well) don't understand her. They usually turn to me... and I translate. This frustrates Haley tremendously.

Being born with a cleft palate has caused Haley's pronunciation to be unclear most of the time. This is a definite problem for a girl who would like nothing more than to talk your ear off! It makes me sad at times, because she has so many intelligent things to say, and she wants to say them. I try to keep in mind that her speech is a work in progress, and someday- hopefully soon- all will be able to understand her when she talks. She is progressing pretty well with her speech therapy, just not fast enough for that expanding mind of hers. :) I can't help but watch the frustration on her face when strangers question her.

But, just when I start to become frustrated myself, a kind stranger steps in...

Today while we were at the department store, I saw a lady watching Haley play with her little sister. From across the aisle she asked Haley a question about Kaitlyn. Haley gave one of her long winded answers. For once, the stranger didn't look at me for a translation. She repeated back exactly what Haley had said- word for word! I was absolutely amazed- that rarely happens for Haley. Haley's little face lit up (I'm certain mine did also) and the two of them continued to chat for a bit. The lady didn't stay for long, but she left long lasting smiles on both of our faces. It's amazing what a little bit of kindness can do to some one's day!

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And so, I have a little kindness challenge for you-

I know that it is human nature to be interested in people that are different. If you happen to find yourself staring, why not approach that person, and find out more about their situation. I know that I have always appreciated when people have asked me questions about Haley rather than staring or pointing. It is a great opportunity to educate, and be educated. If that is too much for you- at least smile at them! Your small act of kindness matters more than you may ever realize. Trust me!

Love is all you need.

What a wonderful time of year to focus on those that you love. It's the month of LOVE, and I am taking the time to brag about some awesome people. . .

Next on my Valentine's list is Haley Allison. Haley is my hero.



Haley is a one-of-a-kind little girl. I'm not just saying that because she is my daughter; many people -relatives and strangers alike- have proclaimed this bit of information to me. There is just something extra special about her. She is smart, sweet and sassy and keeps me on my toes with her never ending inquisitive style of questioning. There is never a dull moment when Haley is around. I love her to bits and pieces, and she never misses an opportunity to tell me she loves me too. It melts my heart and makes me weak in the knees. Love really is all you need! ... after basic survival necessities of course ;)

That counts... right?!

I speak a very, VERY small amount of Spanish, but Ezra is fluent.

We have tried to teach Haley a little bit. She knows her numbers, colors, and some letters in Spanish.

I think knowing a second language is an important and helpful skill to have in life.

Imagine my motherly delight when I overheard Haley teaching her younger sister a second "language"...

Haley (holding a ball) says to Kaitlyn: "ba, ba, ba, ba, ball. That's how you say ball in Chinese!"

Hmmm.

Technically, I don't think that will qualify as a second language. Looks like we still have some work to do...


Actual Chinese word for ball: qíu (chee-o)

http://www.simple-chinese.com/learn-chinese/lesson-15/index.html

Amen!

This past Sunday Haley left the snack and toy-filled world of nursery and joined the rank of a sunbeam in primary. It was very exciting for our family, and we spent part of saturday preparing for her great move. We practiced the sunbeam song, how she should behave in class, and how to get ready for the prayer. She was ecstatic and had a wonderful first primary experience. Since sunday I have caught her singing different melodies from church, and offering to say prayer with a little bit of help. The only catch- she likes to skip right to the 'amen' part when she thinks we've said enough.

Tonight while Haley was having her bath we read, "Sister Eternal" by Dieter F. Uchtdorf. In the book, He mentions going to the LDS church for the first time... so I say, "The Church of Jesus Christ..." and before I can finish, a loud "A-MEN!" comes from the bathtub. It made me giggle; I am just glad to know she is catching some of my lessons on prayer.