But anyway....this year is definitely a year full of blessings. First, it was so wonderful to have all of the Leonards, Cloughs, & Hunnifords together to celebrate around one big table, with food aplenty. Mike's mom outdid herself on a table setting that looked like it came straight out of a Martha Stewart magazine, and handmade turkey cakepops that looked like they came from DC Cupcakes!
Mike's dad gave a toast to give thanks for having us all together to celebrate, to include John, who although not there in physical presence, was felt among us throughout the day. Will, who has been showing increasing curiosity about Mike's older brother John, spent some time out at the memorial, and had lots of questions about John, and then came in the house and wanted to see pictures of John. Then, completely on his own, decided he wanted to add something to John's memorial, and here is what he came up with, bless his sweet little heart...
Mike also made a toast to all those who have been there for me in his absence the last five months. First, Melissa has called me every SINGLE day to check in with me since he has been gone - truly amazing and entirely appreciated. She has babysat Ariana numerous times to allow me to get out and have some "me" time, has brought dinner over to the house, and she has even come through on my "stupid" days like when I locked my keys in the car! Mike's toast also went out to his parents, who have made themselves available for entire weekends to stay with Ariana, and who have stayed with Ariana when she was sick so I would not have to miss work, and who are just always there for us. In addition, Mike's toast went out to Mom & Dad, for coming down the weekend I had strep throat, to stay with Ariana so that she would not catch it, for giving Mike & I a great date night before he went away, and for being an extra support for me. I personally am also thankful for having such a thoughtful husband who acknowledges the importance of our families. Great family photos were taken this Thanksgiving....memories made.
Ariana has also made some leaps in her development over the past couple weeks. She is now eating almost all meals with a spoon and a fork, and pretty neatly may I add!! If she does not receive silverware, she now asks for it. Her speech is now coming in more complete sentences, and she is displaying lovely manners, remembering to say "thank you" on her own when given something, and is learning how to process her demands in the form of, "____________, please!" - the latter is still a work in progress. Ariana can now count up to ten, with support (ex: If I say one, she says two; then I say three, and she says four....all the way to ten!) Also, in addition to being able to sing the alphabet, she now recognizes and can identify the letter A and the letter I. I am blown away on a daily basis by what she has been able to learn, and still so young! Guess she got my brains....haha.
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