So proud

When I first started my practicum at the RHA Howell Center, none of the children in my classroom were walking. Jayson and Kiki were learning to stand up against the wall and balance themselves. They were scooting across the classroom and then were pushing foam stools around the room. Well, just this past Thursday Kiki decided to just take off...she is walking everywhere now. I don't know how much longer it will be before we're running after her. It was amazing to see her walk today. I went up with Jill this morning to the social workers office to show the book I had made for another student and as we passed the classroom we peeked in to one of the rooms and Jill said, Kiki's walking...and low and behold I looked in and she was coming towards us grins and all...I about cried. It is just so amazing to see these children grow. Kiki is 2 1/2 years old...but she's learning and she's not letting anything stop her. Jayson isn't too far behind, but may have a little more trouble do to having hip problems. He'd do better with a walker...but he'll get there. Kiki was trying to show him how it was done today and you can tell the bond between the two has already changed because now Kiki is advancing...but Jayson is much further along developmentally, he can't help his legs. We also, just got a little 9 month old baby, who looks like a newborn baby. She had many problems and I heard many of the workers today talk about how they were afraid of her, and how they were scared to give her a bath because she's just so tiny and her head is sooo small. I can't wait to see what improvements she makes in just a month. I sadly only have a few more weeks left there...and it will be hard to leave because in just a short 3 months I have grown to love each other these children individually! Just wanted to share the good news with everyone, it's not everyday this happens. It may seem small to others but it's huge to those who know how far she has come-from a 24 ( i believe) week preemie who almost didn't make it, to walking...God sure is good. Once again he gives us children like these to show us different things in life and to not take the small things for granted...like walking!

Reality...

So, spring break just ended...I must say it was the best spring break I have ever had. It was my last and I definitely went out with a bang!! We went on a cruise to The Bahamas, to Grand Turk, Half Moon Cay (well kinda), and Nassau! It was beautiful. Unforunately we didn't make it to Half Moon Cay because the winds were too bad to get off the boat and on to the other boat that takes us to the island. However, it was still and amazing trip. I laughed until I cried, until my abs hurt and my face hurt. It was much needed, appreciated, and welcomed. We saw shows every night and comedians. One of our girls even played on a game show one night and someone in the audience yelled "purple" as we all yelled "gold" and the entertainer guy goes, "are ya'll playing marco polo?" it was funny. We sang, we danced, and me and Lindsey got pulled in to this Ms. Margaritaville contest thing where we were supposed to shake our butts for all the 1000 + people out there...needless to say we got as far as introducing ourselves and realized we had to do it alone and peaced out (haha). It was great to have someone make my bed, clean my room, and turn my bed down for me every day and night. Someone waited on us hand and foot, at breakfast, lunch and especially dinner. Now I'm back in reality and having to do this all myself and I don't like it. We also had the privelage of eating...no indulging in ice cream 24 hours a day and well we ate 3 or 4 cones a day, no exageration there! I'm going through withdrawals. I can't even put in to words how amazing this trip was and I much I wish I was still there. The car ride down wasn't bad, the car ride back...not so exciting. We all stayed friends, no arguing, nothin! It was great. Nassau was cool. We went snorkeling. The guy told us the water was about 74 degrees...ummm more like below 0. I'm pretty sure I was going hypothermic, but it was awesome to see all the fish, sting rays, and correl up close and personal. I wish I had an underwater camera for that one because it was indescribable!! The streets in Nassau are filled with bargainers. It's a massive tent filled with things the Bahimians make and with knockoff purses, wallets, duffles, etc. It was sad but thats how they live and don't know any different. We bargained with a lady and my friend got a $120 "coach" duffle down to $40. However, they also have really expensive stores like MAC, David Yuman, etc. It was a packed place and Atlantis is huge! Definitely want to go there if I ever get to go back. So..that's my trip in a nut shell. Sooo fun wishing I was not going back to school tomorrow-but there's only 6 weeks left. Home in 3!! Sadly though, my family had to put my Golden Retriever to sleep this past week after 10 years with her. It's almost like loosing a best friend because she was always there, and her love for me was unconditional no matter what I did or said she still was there to love me. It will be sad to go home and know she's not there welcoming me with a jump up and I can't give her anymore treats...I'm not sure how I'll handle this going home...but I'll get through it! All dogs go to heaven I believe that!! She's with my grandma now and making someone else happy being her loveable stinky self! Miss you LoLo!