"Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be." - Shel Silverstein

Monday, August 10, 2009

How Do I Love My Rissa... Let Me Count The Ways


Disclaimer: I am posting this today mostly as a reminder to myself about all the things that make Marissa great and why my life is so blessed just by having her in it. She and I are having "one of those days" today and I am finding it hard to keep these things in mind. Writing it down for you all to read really helps. My apologies for the incorrect grammar, I didn't really feel like taking the time to make it "presentable". Thanks.


*she always wakes up in the morning with a smile.


*she sometimes wakes up from a nap grumpy.



*hearing her "chirping" in her crib when she wakes up



*when I am working in the kitchen, she prefers to be right in there with me, on her favorite spot ~ the ac/heat vent on the floor.



*when she "talks" and she sounds so grown up



*when she "reads" her books



*when she sings along to songs she loves



*when we say sorry to her for something, she kisses and hugs us



*her belly laugh



*the way she claps and cheers when she hears loud sounds like sirens, fireworks, or loud animals at the zoo, when many kids would be scared and cover their ears



*the way she takes on the challenges in her life ~ with persistence and grace, not getting frustrated too often



*the way she dances, especially when she doesn't know we are watching



*the way she rolls her eyes and looks exasperated when I ask her to do something (she sure is good at copying me ;)



*the way she has to hug and kiss her "Christmas Bear" over and over again before taking a nap



*her feisty, strong fighter's spirit.



*how she puts her upstairs toys away and gets so excited just to be able to go downstairs to watch Elmo or Signing Time in the morning



*how she gets excited over the littlest things like going upstairs, going somewhere in the car, going outside.



*the way she teaches me a different lesson about life everyday



*the way she has made me see God differently ~ in ways I was not able or ready to see Him before



There are many, many, many more but I have to attempt to put her down for a nap now. Wish me luck. And no Mom, we didn't make it to Wal-Mart today, maybe we'll have a better day and be able to tomorrow. ;)

12 comments:

The round-the-worlders said...

Sorry about the tough day. Love the blog, even tho it is dated the 5th and today is the 10th and it is the first time I am seeing it:) Hyperspace is weird.

You are right. Rissa is such a loving, dancing, singing, smart, talented, cheerful funny, child ......

Except for when she's a shit

Hope the day gets better for both of you.

Love Arnie and Dad

Janay said...

We're having one of those crabby days too :0) Must be a zoo hang-over! Hope your day gets better and the nap isn't too much of a fight.

Alicia said...

Arnie and Dad,

I started writing the list several days ago and just looked back at it today and decided to finish and publish it. So, it's not you, it's me! :)

The VW's said...

There are many things to love about that girl! I especially see what a fighting spirit she has and that she gets very excited about things! I've never even met her, but I can see it loud and clear from way over here!

What a cutie! And, what a great Momma she has too! Hang in there! The bad days are so much more magnified than the good days when you are going through them! But, tomorrow is another day! Thank God for the hope of bighter days ahead, right?!

LOVE, HUGS and PRAYERS!!!

Hope said...

((Hugs))
I'm sorry you're having rough days. We should rejoice that Marissa is having those normal terrible toddler days. Haha,

I'd love to say that she'll grow out of it, but .. Hoping your days get better;)

Nana and PaPa said...

Oh Darn! No Walmart today! Well, I got my Wally World shopping done so I'm sure you can do that tomorrow. All the things you enumerated are SO wonderful...Rissa Roo is such a delight...and such a challenge sometimes. Your brother Brian was SO much like Rissa Roo in that, one minute he was the SWEETEST child....and the next you would think he was posssessed by the devil himself!! LOL....but I think he turned out pretty OK...so there is hope for Marissa...it's just a roller coaster ride...so hang on because it's going to be bumpy and thrilling! lol....love you guys
Love,
Mom (Nana & PaPa)

Anonymous said...

Bahahah!! I love love love that added a shout-out to mom at the end of this post. I also could add a few things to your list but I am at work so I shouldn't spend the next hour doing that. Beautiful.

p.s. MOM-of course you would mention Brian in your post, he is, afterall, the all mighty favorite!You crack me up lady....
Aunt Taters

Momof5 said...

"I love my kids, I love my kids, I love my kids...." tends to be my mantra of choice these days. I know how it feels and can totally relate. It takes such a turn though when you start looking at all those blessings big and small huh? God Bless!

BTW, I advise NEVER going to Walmart. Especially if its tax free weekend! Stay away, stay very far away!

DevonLeah said...

hugs!!!!! thanks for sharing!

Michelle said...

Yea I would agree with Auntie Taters here and love the little post at the end!!! Too funny!

Colleen said...

I love how you described her as a girl with a bubbly, feisty, excited and loving personality on her. It's always nice to count your blessing when you actually would like to pull your hair out sometimes!

Shauna Quintero said...

Hi!

Thanks so much for posting on my blog! Your comment about our kids having a mute button made me laugh. Your daughter is beautiful!