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To Princess: The Day I Became Your Mother

Princess was adopted through foster care.  Parts of her story have been purposely left out to protect her and others involved.

My dear Princess... I will never forget the day I became your mother.  

Mommy and Daddy had been waiting for you to come to our family for such a long time.  

We had prayed and prayed.  Mommy had cried often, worrying about you and what your life might be like before you came to us.

It was the middle of February.  

We received the call before lunch, asking if we'd be willing to take in a sick six month old baby girl. 

After obtaining a few more details, I called Daddy at work, asking if he thought it would be okay.  

With his permission, I called back the worker and said yes, then asked more questions about you.

To Princess: The Day I Became Your Mother

To Princess: The Day I Became Your Mother


You were brought to our home in a pocka dotted car seat, wrapped in what we would learn to be your favorite pink blanket.  

A Winnie the Pooh Bear was by your side.  

Underneath your blanket, you were wearing a white snow suit.  

When I removed that, I found you dressed in a pink long sleeve shirt with bib overalls patterned with pink, brown, and green flowers.  

You also came with a diaper bag that contained a few diapers, wipes, and a bottle.

Dinomite and Bulldozer fell in love with you from the start. 

After the worker left, I pulled you out of your car seat to let you play on the floor.  

It did not take long before you were giving everyone smiles.  

Bulldozer seemed to be your favorite person.

Mommy gave you your first bottle, which you took very well.  

You then continued to play on the floor with Dinomite and Bulldozer.  

I made several phone calls asking friends for girl's baby clothes, setting up doctor's appointments, etc. 

It was a very busy afternoon.

Daddy came home after work.  I met him at the entrance to the living room.  

He took one look at you, one look at me, and then looked at the picture of Mommy as a baby on the wall.  

There was no way to hid the shock on his face as he realized we looked so much alike.  

From that moment, Daddy knew that you were going to be our Princess forever.

Mommy prepared dinner, while Daddy fed you another bottle.  

You fell asleep in his arms while he rocked you and slept while we ate.  

After dinner, Mommy left to go shopping.  

We only had two outfits for you, which were both pajamas.  (The outfit that you came in was two sizes too small.)  

There were only two diapers left in the diaper bag.  

We had no formula, etc.  

Needless to say, Mommy had a busy night. 

Mommy's friend Kathy, did go out and buy you your first two outfits, which she had dropped by earlier in the afternoon.

Princess with Daddy her first night at our home

I will never forget how smiley you were, right from the start.  

Even the first day, you did nothing but smile.  

You were absolutely beautiful in every way.  

Again, Mommy and Daddy (and everyone else who met you), couldn't get over how much you looked like Mommy.  

The biggest difficulty we had with you was finding clothes that fit you.  You were so skinny, yet so tall.

Princess Day 1 in our Home
Princess, her 1st night with us.
 
Surprisingly, you slept all through the night, the very first night you were with us.  

This was the only night though.  

You loved to sleep with a blanket over your head, which scared Mommy so much.  

Eventually Mommy had to cut it up into pieces so I wouldn't worry so much.

We know without a shadow of a doubt you were meant to be part of our family from the very first day you arrived.  

I know that I was meant to be your Mommy.  

Since I couldn't give birth to you, like your brothers, Heavenly Father sent you a different way.  

I am so thankful to be your Mommy and for you to be my Princess forever!


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To Sunshine: The Day I Became Your Mother

Sunshine was adopted through foster care.  Parts of her story have been purposely left out to protect her, and others involved.

We were celebrating the 3rd birthday of another little girl, who was staying with us.  

Mommy received a phone call in the late afternoon. 

This was the day I became your mother.

The woman who was caring for you had been taken to the hospital.  

She was sick.  

We were asked if we'd be willing to care for you.  

Without hesitation, we said yes.  

Not an hour later, I was at the woman's house, picking you up, and meeting you for the first time.

To Sunshine: The Day I Became Your Mother

When I arrived, you were sitting in your car seat.  

You were about 6 months.  

I noticed you had big blue eyes, a button nose, and a tiny mouth.  

Your face was very round.  

You were almost completely bald with the exception of a little fuzz.  

It reminded me of the sun, which is how you received your nickname, Sunshine.  

You were dressed in a one piece snap up outfit.  

The outfit was warm and soft, colored a light green with pink trim. 

It had white elephants all over it.

Sunshine the first day she arrived in our home
Taken the day Sunshine arrived.

The babysitter caring for you gave me a diaper bag with formula, a bottle, diapers, wipes, and a couple changes of clothes.  

I loaded you into the van and we headed to your new home.  

Shortly after you arrived, Daddy fed you your first bottle.  

Though you really wanted to finish every last lick, your tummy didn't agree, and you vomited all over Daddy.  

This was the first of many times. 

During dinner, you were quite content occupying yourself in your pack n' play. 

When you weren't, Daddy held you.  

After dinner, it was Mommy's turn to feed you and get you ready for bed.  

Daddy helped all the other kiddos with their bedtime routines.

Just like before, you tried to finish your bottle, but ended up vomiting.  

Mommy held you and rocked you, trying to help you feel better, but you weren't easily comforted. 

Wondering if you preferred falling asleep on your own, in your pack n' play, I laid you down, only to listen to you scream and cry.  

We tried another bottle, rocking, and laying down again, but nothing seemed to comfort you.  

Finally, you fell asleep in your pack n' play with the lights out and TV on, while Mommy and Daddy washed dishes in the kitchen.

We didn't know that first day, that you would become a member of our family.  

Mommy and Daddy knew that there was another little girl meant for our family, even before your big sister, Princess, was adopted.  

We had prayed fervently for that little girl to come to us.  

When you came, everything moved forward so quickly.  We couldn't believe how lucky we were.  

You have always been my little ray of Sunshine!

What Is Reactive Attachment Disorder Montessori Floor Bed for Baby To Princess:  The Day I Became Your Mother A Minimalist Montessori Home Tour: A Little Girl's Bedroom Morning and Bedtime Routine Visuals and Supports Chores and Practical Life Visuals and Supports Outdoor Visuals and Supports Meal and Snack Time Visual Schedules and Supports for Kids

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Montessori-inspired Australia Unit with Free Printables

I'm super excited to share our Australia Unit with free printables.  

There is so much to learn about this amazing place!

Part of the Oceania, this country/continent is so unique with endless fascinating things to learn about.

My kiddos couldn't get enough of these activities.

Australia Unit with Free Printables


This is what's on our shelves!

Montessori-inspired Australia Unit With Free Printables


Australia Spelling Activity


Australia spelling activity (free printable)
 

The kiddos will stamp the circle under the correct spelling of each word.

Source: I created this printable as part of my Australia Unit Language Printable Pack 1.  This is a subscriber's only freebie. See directions at the bottom of this post on how to access your free copy.


Australian English Food Vocabulary


Australia English Food Vocabulary

 The kiddos will match up the Australian word & picture cards with the USA word and picture cards. Already this has been a favorite activity, even in creation.  


I must say, I think I prefer "fairy floss" over "cotton candy."

Source: I created this printable as part of my Australia Unit Language Printable Pack 1.  This is a subscriber's only freebie. See directions at the bottom of this post on how to access your free copy.

Australia Sentences with Grammar Symbols


Australia Sentences with Grammar Symbols


Last month we studied prepositions, but never applied the knowledge to sentence structure. 


This week we'll do just that, learning more about Australia as we go along.

Source: I created this printable as part of my Australia Unit Language Printable Pack 1.  This is a subscriber's only freebie. See directions at the bottom of this post on how to access your free copy.


Australian Animal Patterns


Australia Animal Patterns (Free Printable)


The kiddos will finish the pattern strips with the pictures provided.

Source: I created this printable as part of my Australia Unit Math Printable Pack 1.  This is a subscriber's only freebie. See directions at the bottom of this post on how to access your free copy.

Visiting Australian Addition & Bar Graph Activity


Visiting Australian Addition Bar Graph Activity (Free Printable)


All of the kiddos really enjoy the bar graph activities on the shelves. 


This week I decided to step it up, by adding and extra die to the activity.  


The kiddos will add the dots on both dice to determine how many people visited each Australian city.  They'll use the beads to create the graph.

Source: I created this printable as part of my Australia Unit Math Printable Pack 1.  This is a subscriber's only freebie. See directions at the bottom of this post on how to access your free copy.


50 Australian Animals


50 Australian Animal Cards (Free Printable)


This activity is for Dinomite.  He loves animals more than anything else.  Of course the other kiddos will enjoy it to. 


The kiddos will sort the animals anyway they choose, learning names etc.

Source: I created this printable as part of my Australia Unit Science & Culture Printable Pack 1.  This is a subscriber's only freebie. See directions at the bottom of this post on how to access your free copy.

Australian Animal Writing Activity


Australian Animal Writing Activity


Dinomite is having an EXTREMELY hard time with his writing right now.  


In an effort to keep him practicing, I've decided to make his writing assignments about what he wants to write about.

I've created Animal Writing sheets for him to use each day, selecting an animal of his choice. 


There is also a box for him to draw a picture of the animal.

Since Dinomite freaks out about spelling on a regular basis, I also allow him to use his books to help him write what he wants to say.  


This has been a great way to teach him about not copying other people's sentences, but to create his own.  I'm hoping to introduce a dictionary to him soon.

Source:  If you would like a free copy of our Animal Writing Worksheet, click HERE.


Australia Climate Zones


Australia Climate Zones Activity (Free Printable)


The kiddos will identify climate zones on the map by color.  

They will use the key to pair up color code cards with picture of climate cards.  

I'm excited to review climates. It's been a long time!

Source: I created this printable as part of my Australia Unit Science & Culture Printable Pack 1.  This is a subscriber's only freebie. See directions at the bottom of this post on how to access your free copy.

Australia States & Territories


Australia States and Territories (Free Printable)


The kiddos will use the control map to help them put their own map together, using the pieces and labels provided.

Source: I created this printable as part of my Australia Unit Science & Printable Printable Pack 1.  This is a subscriber's only freebie. See directions at the bottom of this post on how to access your free copy.

Famous People in Australia


Famous People in Australia Match Up Cards (free printable)


The kiddos will match up the people cards with their talent.  


I'm hoping this will help the kiddos understand what Australia's social culture is like.  


It looks like fun!

Source:  Source: I created this printable as part of my Australia Unit Science & Printable Printable Pack 1.  This is a subscriber's only freebie. See directions at the bottom of this post on how to access your free copy.


Australian Dot Painting


Australian Dot Painting Activity for kids


The kiddos will try out dot painting this week. They should have tons of fun!

Source:  The kangaroo outline used for this activity is from Free Kids Crafts.


Felt Flag of Australia


Felt Flag of Australia activity for kids
Picture from A Little Learning For Two

I fell in love with this activity when I saw it.  Hopefully the kiddos will enjoy it too. 


They will use all of the parts provided to create the flag of Australia, using the control provided.

Source. I found this activity at A Little Learning For Two.

Great Barrier Reef Sensory Bin


Great Barrier Reef Sensory Bin


The kiddos should love this sensory bin.  I couldn't figure out what to use for the actual reef, but hopefully this looks okay.  

Tea Time in Australia


Tea Time in Australia
 

The kiddos will practice pouring "tea" and serving it with Princess' tea set.

Making Fairy Bread


Making Fairy Bread from Australia (Montessori Practical Life Activity


I LOVE this activity. I think it's my favorite on the shelves this week.  In Australian culture, it's very popular to have Fairy Bread at kid's birthday parties etc.

Fairy Bread is white bread, covered with a thick layer of soft butter, sprinkled heavily with those hard candied dot sprinkles. If this doesn't make sense, just look on pinterest.

I think it tastes delicious, although I can't eat more than one slice.  


This activity invites the kiddos to practice spreading, spooning, and cutting all in one activity.  


Who wouldn't love it?

For those interested in the printable packs, follow the directions below.

Directions on How to Obtain Subscriber Only Freebies


1. Click on the Subscriber's link at the bottom of this post.

2. Subscribe to our free newsletter.

3. Open the thank you message you receive after subscribing. (Be sure to check your spam folder, as sometimes it ends up there.)

4. Click the confirmation link in the thank you message.

5. Once the confirmation is complete, you will receive another message with the Subscriber Only Freebies Link and Password.

6. Click on link and type in password. (The password is cap sensitive.)

7. Find the printable pack you are looking for listed in alphabetical order, click on it, and viola!

We hope you enjoy your free printable.

Note: If you are already a newsletter subscriber, open your most recent newsletter. At the bottom you will find a link to the Subscriber Only Freebies page, along with the password in case you forgot it.



If you enjoyed this post, you may also enjoy the posts below.


Montessori-inspired Australia/Oceania Unit Printable Pack Bundle Montessori-inspired Continents Activities with Free Printables Africa Unit Antarctica Unit Asia Unit with Free Printables Montessori-inspired Study of Europe North America Unit North America Unit
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Kids Learning Printables Linky Party #3

This post may contain affiliate links.

Welcome to the Kids Learning Printables Linky Party #3!

Co-host:   Montessori Nature

What a crazy week it's been at our house!  I can't wait for things to get back to normal.  Hopefully these features will be a great kick off to the weekend and next week.  There were so many fantastic printables. I'm so excited and thankful to all who shared.  My apologies for not being able to visit each and every one.  We had a death in the family, and so I was a little preoccupied.  However, I was able to pick some favorites, that will not only be featured here, but most likely in our themed unit studies over the next couple of months.

1.  Insects Printable Pack from Gift of Curiosity

2. Teaching kids about Ant Anatomy (free printable activity!) from Gift of Curiosity

3.  Star Wars Pack Update from 3 Dinosaurs.com

Free Board Book Printables for Toddlers
4.  Free Board Book Printables from Totschooling

5.  Learning About South America from Trillium Montessori

Here's how this works!

You:
1.  Link up to 3 educational printables for kiddos.  Free, paid, and giveaway printables are welcome.
2.  Add our Kids Learning Printables Linky Party Button to your post or blog.
3.  Support your fellow educators by commenting, pinning, and/or sharing the post published before yours.
4.  If you're not already doing so, follow me on FacebookPinterest, and/or through my blog.
5.  You give me permission to use and repost images from your blog.

Me:
1.  Visit all posts.
2.  Share and pin as many links as possible throughout the week.
2.  Feature my favorite posts in next week's link up.
3.  Get to know you, your blog, and your printables for future use.

Let's get this party started!
Every Star Is Different

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Kids Learning Printables Linky Party #2

This post may contain affiliate links.

Welcome to the Kids Learning Printables Linky Party #2!

Co-host:   Montessori Nature

We had an awesome time last week with some fabulous link ups!  Thank you to all who participated.  There were some really great printables!

1.  Life Cycle of a Plant Pack from 3 Dinosaurs

2.  Spring Sentences Sample Pack from Robin's Resources


4.  Ancient Greek Temple Building Game from Relentlessly Fun Deceptively Educational



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