The Monkey Bar

We have a little girl who loves playing on monkey bars at the park.



So much so, that she decided to adopt our pull-up bar we need to use more often as her "monkey bar" in the house. She loves to swing from it and will do it till her little body can't hold on a second longer. I love this goofy girl.

Mona is turning 3 at the end of this month and I can't help but think about all that we've been through together, both in our family and in our mommy daughter relationship. When I first think of Mona, I think of her smile. Mona's smile melts my heart. It can be a completely frustrating day full of two-year-old-tantrums but when she flashes that little smile at me, I can't help but be in a better mood. Mona's laugh is perfect, too. She has a few versions of laughter and my favorite is her belly laugh, the one that delivers snorts and makes her bury her head in my chest. She gives lots of kisses and hugs at this age, which is such a reward to me as a parent. Mona seems to say everything she means to but can't articulate when she turns my head and plants a soft little kiss on my cheek. Just makes my day.

Mona is resilient. She's had to weather her fair share of storms and then some, and has taught me so much about facing life's challenges fearlessly. She understands so much and so much more every day. She loves to learn, and has a good memory for names of numbers, shapes, colors, and song lyrics. She has struggled to keep up with normal physical development due to her health but has done such a great job and is now really progressing in that area, learning how to run, jump, climb. Its so fun to experience those things with her.

Mona makes me work hard as a Mom. She keeps me on my toes, and helps me remember where my most important priorities are. She can be as stubborn as I am and more, refusing to eat, throwing little brother on the ground, demanding items to be bought at whatever store we're at. Her liver disease adds a whole other dimension and perspective to parenting, usually bringing with it added anxiety and some added stress at times. With all these things that can challenge me, sometimes brutally, as a parent, I am grateful for them (although never in the moment will I admit this).

I am so proud of my girl, and cherish all the moments I've had with her--both challenging and fun. I've learned more than I know how to say just by being her mom. I know my Heavenly Father specifically wanted her to go to our family, to be our daughter. That humbles me so much when I think about it.

 Mona made me a mama, and I love her for that and for so many other things. She's so absolutely perfect for me and for our family. This year, my goal as a parent is to be more patient, to teach more lovingly and to experience life with her more joyfully and in the moment.