For the Love of Savanna

I was greeted with a "Welcome Back Mom" banner near my office. How great is that!?(Thank you, Shine). In a strange sort of way I'm happy to back at work. I missed my staff, the drama (to a slight degree), and the focus we share in helping those in need.

I did shed a few tears on my way to work after dropping off Queen S at the baby sitter, Patti's. Savanna cried so pitifully when I dropped her off. I kept reminding myself that she WILL adjust to being away from me, that she WILL feel secure and loved by Patti, etc. Patti is great with Savanna (thank you Margaret T. for referrring me to her), she knows just what to do to make Savanna feel better. She has a heart of gold and I feel very blessed to have her as Savanna's first baby sitter. There are other children there for Savanna to play with too. I don't think it will take me too long to adjust to the change because I was able to transition Savanna, and myself, for the past week and a half.

I was so happy to see Savanna's smiling face when she saw me come through the door. Doesn't it just melt your heart when your child recognizes you and lets you know they love you? Warms my soul.

Here are some pics of Savanna after going to Patti's. I think she was pretty happy to be home. I just love this kid.

(Double click to enlarge the picture). Savanna also said her first word a couple of days ago. No, It wasn't "momma". It was "dog". I'm glad she doesn't know the slang for a female dog yet!

Sidebar-- I received an email from Aura, Savanna's fmom, on Mother's Day. She was happy to have received my letter with the pictures of Savanna. I am so happy she wants to remain in contact. I haven't heard from Ramona, Savanna's bmom, which saddens me. I know I must respect her desire to not have contact.  I was just hoping to make things easier for Savanna when she is older and wants to know about her first mom. I continue to think of her and pray for her happiness.

Happy birthday my sweet, sassy, strong willed Savanna! Love, your exhausted mom.

This is what you have accomplished over the past month...

You cut two bottom teeth, began to crawl (last week), learned to wave "hi", became fascinated with your reflection in the mirror, stood and walked while holding on to my fingers or other objects, gave open mouth kisses, rode the bouncing pony, loved your diapers, and had major stranger anxiety (great picture of you, Auntie Jan).Yes, I know, my family room now looks like Toys R Us!

You no longer scream like a howler monkey or spit like a camel (there is a God), but now you are obsessed with pulling the velcro off of your diapers and rolling over, making diaper changing a near impossibility. You would like to get into a power struggle with me about this but I'm doing all I can to be patient, to use distraction (anything), so that I can clean and cover your butt!

I have been so busy lately. I bought a Toyota Camry last week. It was no easy feat getting Savanna in and out of the back seat of a Toyota Celica. I got the windows tinted on the Camry for Savanna (me too). It looks nice and rides very smoothly. I can't believe I graduated to a family car!

I also began searching for a one-story home. My Mom is having difficulty getting up and down the stairs. The town I am interested is in a safe neighborhood and the schools are excellent. So, onward and upward we go. But, I HATE the actual moving aspect.

I have to go back to work on 5/22 after being off for 3 months. I will have to leave Savanna with a baby sitter and the thought of this is heart breaking. I have enjoyed every minute I have had with her, getting to know her, just being her Mom. On Thursday I will start to transition Savanna to the baby sitter. I will stay with her for the first few days and slowly decrease my time with her. I hope this will make her transition easier. The baby sitter said it would be harder for me than for Savanna. I hope so. She has been through several separations already in her young life. I hope I can make it through the heartache... I shall keep you posted.