Our Big Day

As promised, here are pictures of our big day yesterday! We met in Lima at the Golden Corral (yummy)!!

Jon and Aliya waiting in the car for everyone to arrive!


Opening her gift from Jocelyn and Gladys


D got her the most adorable doll, first things first, it needed it's diaper changed!


Showing Gladys her new baby


Aliya and her half brother, can't tell they're related can you!!!


D was smiling while Aliya kept tapping him saying, "boy" it was really funny


Aliya and her tummy mommy, Miss Jocelyn


Saying our good byes


Once last group shot (I should have asked someone to take it so Jon could have jumped in, oh well, there's always next time!


We had the most amazing time. I was like we've known Jocelyn for years! We didn't talk about meeting up again, but I'm sure we will see them again! I would love to take Jocelyn out for a soda/coffee some time, just the two of us to talk and really get to know each other. We are only 2 years apart in age...and I think we could be good friends.

We had so many people praying for us yesterday and we could feel God's presents at our table. It was the most relaxed dinner (until Aliya decided it was time to go) and I didn't want the night to end. We owe this woman so much for giving her daughter life and giving us her... What courage and strength...what love.

Meeting our Birthmom...

Well, today was a big day at our house! We started this morning off with a trip to the mall to get Aliya's 2 year pictures taken, but as we turned into the parking lot we hear a sound coming from the back seat, followed by a smell that is unmistakable. You guessed it, puke. All over. It was nasty. Aliya had been eating a piece of string cheese and must have bitten off more than she could chew because up it came! Needless to say we didn't take her in for her photo shoot, but we did reschedule for tomorrow at 3:40p.

Once home and cleaned up she relaxed with daddy as I headed out to the post office and to Target. I was floored that the post office was closed today, who knew?! But at least my Target trip was successful! You see, we were meeting Aliya's birthmom and brother at 4pm and we couldn't show up empty handed!!

So, at 2:30p we loaded up Jon's car (still airing out the van from this morning YUCK) and headed up the highway. I couldn't believe how calm I was. One year ago today we traveled to Lima to meeting Grandma Gladys and I thought I was going to pee my pants the entire trip, but for some reason today was different. No fear, just a bit of excitement. I had asked a few people to pray for us at 4pm today and their prayers must have worked because I had no fear walking into Golden Corral.

We were greet by Jocelyn, her son "D" and Grandma Gladys. Gladys looked different (she later shared with us that she's been diagnosed with cancer...please keep her in your prayers). D was as handsome as they come and couldn't stop staring at Aliya. Jocelyn gave us each a hug and we exchanged the normal "it's great to finally meet you" moment. Once seated Jocelyn beamed from ear to ear, you could just see the joy in her eyes to be together. We ate, laughed, exchanged Christmas stories and exchanged gifts. D picked out a new baby for Aliya (it's way cute) and from Gladys and Jocelyn, a new running suit to grow into, it's a beautiful coral color, it looks amazing against Aliya's skin! We gave D some robot/transformer/Lego thing, Jocelyn a picture frame, photo album and journal and Gladys a candle set and a bamboo defuser (is that what they are called?). They all seemed to enjoy their gifts! It felt good to give them each something.

There was no fear, no uncomfortableness, it was great. It was like we were eating dinner with old friends. Jocelyn shared with me how thankful she is that we send her pictures and we wanted to meet her, knowing we don't have to do anything for her (her words). We made small talk about work, but once we were alone at the table, she shared how nervous she'd been today. She said she was just afraid of the unknown, but so excited at the same time. It was a really cool "real" moment, she didn't hold back she was just herself, it was great! When we hugged good bye, our hug lasted a bit longer than the others and she said that we made her Christmas! We took a few pictures and then headed our separate ways!

I have a few pictures to post tomorrow!!!

Merry Christmas

Twas The Night Before Christmas...

And all through our house, Aliya is sleeping and quiet as a mouse.
Joel's playing wii and Jon's trying to help, in hopes the next level soon will appear.
The presents are wrapped and under the tree, will Santa fill the kid's stockings like he promised this year?
We've been to see family and then on to church, Aliya didn't sit still, but she could have been worse.
The countdown has started, it's almost time for bed, thanking God for our blessings and all that's ahead.


Okay, really stupid I know!!!

Merry Christmas everyone!!!!

2 Year Well Check

Today Aliya and I went to see Dr. Nina (who told us today she is leaving the practice at the end of the month...sad face) for Aliya's 2 year old well check. Aliya was BEYOND excited to see Nina this morning, as we have been talking about it all last week and even reading a social story book on going to the doctor at night (her "Nina book" as she calls it). We arrived about 10 minutes last, as I couldn't remember what time her appointment was exactly. Aliya marched right in and made herself at home, announcing her presence to the entire nursing staff. After about 8 minutes of waiting it was our turn. She proudly marched back to room 5 where we were greeted by the digital scale (first time for this one). It was much easier and faster to get her weight: 26 lbs. 26 pounds is actually a few pounds less than I was guessing. Anyway, then it was on to the next room to strip down to her diaper and socks. Normally Aliya would be thrilled to take her clothes off, but not this morning. She clung to me for dear life. We had to tag team her down to get her measured, 35". Just as I thought things couldn't get any worse out came the stethoscope, heaven help us! She was squeezing my neck at this point while standing on my lap (I was sitting on the exam table with her) screaming, "ouuuuch mama ouuuuch" that ended quickly and the nurse was done. Before excusing herself from the room she said that Nina would be in shortly. Aliya grabbed her shirt and with a huge smile exclaimed, "DONE". Within a few minutes Nina entered and Aliya screamed again, only this time is was a happy scream, "NINA"!!!! It was like Santa had entered the room, Aliya immediately calmed down and helped Nina hold the light to check her ears, nose and mouth. Aliya has met her 2 year milestones and passed her exam with flying colors! We chit chatted a few minutes while I got Aliya dressed and headed down the hall to check out. Aliya waved and said bye to everyone she passed. Then just as we were almost out the door she stopped dead in her tracks and said, "mama sticker". I had completely forgotten I had promised her a sticker for being good, thankfully our little ladybug has a memory like an elephant! So a few more good byes and one doggy sticker later we were out the door!

We will be sad to see Nina leave, as Aliya obviously loves her!

"I'm 2 Today!!"

Here are a few things I'm up to these days:

*I wear size 2T clothes and size 6 shoes
*I'm still in a 4 diaper, but a 5 overnight diaper
*I think I am hilarious, most others do too
*I am very concerned when people cry
*I am really into giving hugs and kisses right now
*My favorite foods are still pizza and noodles
*Be careful what you say in front of me, I repeat EVERYTHING you say!
*I like making lists of my family and friends, "mommy, daddy, Joel, Madeline, Emmy..."
*I LOVE to sleep on my pillow in my bed
*Flushing the toilet is way more fun than actually sitting on it!
*I will sit for about an hour for mommy to do my hair at night
*I LOVE to color, with anything, on anything!
*I still love to go bye bye whenever I can!!
*Shopping is still a favorite for me!
*I ask "why" about everything
*My night night is still important to me
*I like to get naked and surprise mommy in the shower!
*I think pants should be optional when at home
*My new phrase is, "mommy, where are you?"
*I love to "talk" on the phone, but when someone is actually on the other line I get shy
*Still not a fan of strangers (or people I know well for that matter)
*My mom thinks I should stay in my class at church on my own, I'm still not too sure about this plan, but I'll be moving up to the 2 year old class soon, so I better get used to it!
*I had my party yesterday and LOVED seeing my friends and family!
*Back off kids, those presents are MINE

Thoughts and Feelings

Here is what is in my head right now regarding my grandma's death

* I'm too young to loose a grandma
* My kids are too young to not have their GG just down the road
* I can't breathe
* Can my grandpa breathe right now? If so, how is he doing it?
* What is going through my dad's head right now, his mom is gone, I can't imagine
* Is she bossy in heaven? (chuckle)
* Will Aliya remember her?
* I miss her so much already
* Who will fix grandpa's lunch for him now?
* Why did no one from their church come to the hospital?
* When do the tears stop?
* Was she in pain?
* Could she hear us say good bye?
* Is there macaroni and cheese in heaven?
* She had an amazing gift
* I was supposed to go to her house on Saturday morning, I called and canceled Friday night...I had one last chance to see her and I didn't
* No one knew it was coming
* My family is amazing
* My God is amazing
* "I will rise when He calls my name, no more sorrow, no more pain. I will rise on Eagle's wings, before my God fall on my knees and rise...I will rise"
* cold veggies with Italian dressing
* her spaghetti and meatballs
* Will grandpa stay at their house? Will he move?
* They were planing their 60th anniversary party...who will call everyone and tell them what happened?
* Are my uncles okay?
* Are my little brother and sister okay?
* She loved my kids so much, do they know that?
* How do you explain to a 2 year old that her GG is with Jesus w/o crying?
* I miss you grandma, I miss you so much...

Heaven Has One More

My grandma went to be with Jesus tonight. We got the call last night that she had a stroke around 6:50p. I got to the hospital last night around 10pm...all the Hilgeman's were there. We left around 1:40am. I said, "good night" NOT "good bye", she was very sedated and on a ventilator. The first song at church this morning was "Strength Will Rise as We Wait Upon the Lord" (a fitting song, don't you think?) We got the call around 10:30a that she was now brain dead and they were calling everyone in...I have never felt so much pain and grief all at once in my life...then not 10 minutes later the next call came, they were waiting until dad got there to turn off the machine. Darkness. I lost it. Jon took me to the hospital and I sat and cried and cried and cried. Never asking God why, just crying and praying she wasn't in any pain. I was able to see her one last time and kiss her good-bye. she looked so peaceful laying there, her chest rising up and down with ease. I kissed grandpa and told him I love him. More tears. The rest of the family came and they took their turn saying good bye. We wait, we cry, we laugh, we eat, we wait... it was nearly 3:15p we decide to leave just to get away. She held on for almost 4 more hours before she met our Lord. I cry for our loss, but I rejoice for her... God is holding her now. I miss her so much already! But I know we will see each other again, God knows when. I love you grandma!

Check This Out!!

http://www.happygirlhair.com/2009/12/saturday-spotlight.html

Trust me, you'll like what you see!!!

I love this site and get a lot of hair ideas from this mommy!!

Enjoy

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

This year I am thankful for so many things! Here are my top 10:

1. God and a God filled marriage (does that count as 2?)
2. My kids
3. My family
4. My job
5. My home
6. My friends
7. Our birthmom
8. Clothes on my back
9. My health
10. Coffee


I am thankful for so many other things... but when reflecting on them, so many seem superficial... even though #10 is...I had to put it on the list!!!

It is my prayer that everyone reading this has a safe and happy holiday today!!

23 Month Update

I can't believe Aliya was 23 months old yesterday! She is growing like a weed and changing everyday! Here are a few updates on our little ladybug!

*Wearing 24 month pants or 2T (we have to roll them once) and 2T shirts and PJ's
*Still in size 5 shoes and size 4 diapers
*NEVER stops talking...her new favorite phrase is, "you go get it" or "I got you" as she squeezes our leg. She's putting words together and repeats EVERYTHING we say!
*Still very polite always says please and thank you
*Sings her ABC's all the time (we can only understand about every 3rd letter though)
*Loves to give hugs when someone is leaving, or coming, or going to bed
*Doing great in her toddler bed! Doesn't get out of it except when it's time to get up from nap or in the morning
*Talks about going potty a lot, she'll tell us while she's filling her diaper then wants it changed pretty quickly. She likes to sit on the potty and "poop" (pass gas). If she wakes up wet in the morning she comes in and tells us right away
*Still not a huge fan of TV, but loves watching "moomies" (movies, for about 30 seconds)
*Thinks she's in charge of the dog
*Is very helpful and follows directions really well
*Still carries her blanket (night night) everywhere
*Wants to do things on her own, "NO ALIYA" she yells as we try to help
*Loves to color
*Loves to eat, although is very easily distracted during meal time
*VERY strong willed (she gets that from her daddy)
*Likes to be pretty and have her hair done (we're up to sitting still for about an hour now)
*LOVES to shop for clothes. We can't leave Target without her picking out a new outfit!
*Identifies other African American children on TV, diaper boxes and yells out "Aliya" with a big grin on her face!
*Loves to tickle us and laughs so hard!
*Is very concerned if someone has a boo boo and asks if you need to go see Nina (her doctor)

It's hard to believe Aliya will be 2 in a month...She amazes us every single day...she is truly our gift from God!

More Vacation Pictures

Random Thought...

I couldn't love either of my kids any more...even if I had birthed them myself. God is so good!

Sneek Peek...

Just a few from vacation...will post more when I have a minute!

11 Today!

Can you believe Joel is 11 today? It seems like just yesterday he was 3 and we had just met! Joel is an amazing young man and I am blessed to be his step mom! This year we did a low-key birthday. Last weekend he had two buddies over to spend the night! They had a great time watching movies, eating pizza and turning our downstairs into a WWE Wrestling ring (opening his first gift, thanks again Josh and Laura)! Then this weekend Joel opened his gifts Friday night. This year we pulled our money together with Jon's parents and got Joel a wii!!! He's been asking for one since last year, but the money has never been there! We decided to bite the bullet and just go for it! After his football shaped ice cream cake we set up the wii and had family game night!! It was so much fun! Saturday morning Joel slept in then we headed to Bob Evans for brunch (his choice). He has a table full of gifts here waiting, unopened from family that didn't get to see him before he went back to his mom's. I plan to go over to his mom's tomorrow night and have him open them there, so he can see them before November. (we leave for FL on Thurs and won't be back until Oct 31).

Joel is super excited about his camp Kern trip next week! It's the big 5th grade field trip that he's been talking about since 2nd grade!! His class tie-died their camp shirts on Friday, his turned out great! He is almost finished with Fall Ball (baseball) and is glad, it's been a long season! He is doing GREAT in school right now!!!! He's working really hard at studying and being organized! It's paying off too! He got a 101% on his Science test last week! He is also giving up his afternoon recess each day to help the 1st graders during Art Class! He has such a big heart!!

**pictures soon to follow**

Six Years Ago Today...

I said "I Do" to the most wonderful man in the world!!!

Big Girl Bed

A few weeks ago I got ambitious and decided to take Aliya's crib apart and turn it into a toddler bed. Here is what she slept in for 3 weeks or so...


Then Grandma and Grandpa W. gave her a real toddler bed that they were no longer using. Aliya was SUPER excited to have a real big girl bed!!



I got a quick shot of her tonight sleeping!! She's doing so well and loves her new bed!


Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!!!

Ashland

This past weekend we traveled up to Ashland. We had a great time. Friday night my grandpa was inducted into Ashland High School's Hall of Fame! Kristy watched Aliya for us so Jon and I could have an evening among adults. We realized after we left her screaming at Dan and Kristi's house that this is the first time EVER that we have had someone watch her at a place she doesn't know. (I think twice someone from church as watched her and that's about it) It ripped my heart out to leave her, but we had a great time honoring grandpa!

Here's Aliya getting ready on Saturday...no music on the headphones, only the music in her head


We stayed the night in a hotel with Mom and Mike Saturday night and had a relaxing Sunday. After breakfast Aliya and I went swimming. Mom took pictures of Aliya jumping off the side of the pool! Hopefully I'll get those from her and can post those soon.

After bath and hair time we headed to Honey Haven Farms to meet up with the family for some outdoor fun! It was cold, but not raining this year! Aliya was on the verge of a nap, so our fun was cut short by her needing to sleep BADLY! While there she had a pumpkin ice cream cone (she did not want to share, can't say that I blame her though, it was really good!) She was fascinated with the face painter, so we stood in line, but when it was her turn, mommy got the pumpkin on her cheek instead. (imagine that) Next we went on a horse drawn wagon ride to the middle of a HUGE pumpkin patch and the kids got to select their own pumpkins.



Aveline was trying to show her how to hold her pumpkin up for a picture, but I think Aliya thought we were going to take it away from her, as she kept putting it behind her back. It was really cute!


Aliya was not happy there was mud on the pumpkins..."eeewwww"


After riding back to the main part of the farm, Aliya got her second wind and began running around (not with her cousins, just running! She was so funny, doing this new squat walk thing that she does.


As the adults were trying to round the kids up for a picture with their pumpkins Aliya decided it was time to pose in the pumpkin cut outs...



Sweet Aveline



Aveline and Isaac



Our ladybug!

From over a year ago

Jon cleaned out my van for me today (yeah husband!) and in the bag full of stuff he brought in for me to sort through, I found the following...I remember writing this, but never finished it. I thought I'd share it.

5/21/08
My Dearest Aliya,

Where do I start? First and foremost I want you do know how much I love you and how much you are wanted and prayed for. From the minute I saw your picture on the St. Rita's website, I knew you were mine. Even after J changed her mind and decided to parent you, I knew God's will would prevail and three weeks later you came home to us.

I still remember the exact time, date, moment and location we were at when we got the call. It was 7:47pm on Sunday January 20th 2008-Target parking lot...I screamed and cried as Jon told me who wa on the phone with. Thankfully I had the day off on Monday and I stared at the phone all day waiting for the call that you were on your way. 6:10pm January 21st 2008 you were carried through our front door bundled in a pink sleeper and purple snow suit. I cried again-tears of joy that you were finally home.

Martha was at the house with us and got your arrival on video. In all honesty, you looked terrifeid-wide eyed and unsure about your surroundings. A few hours later (and after a million calls to family) Grandma and Grandpa W came to meet you. They too fell in love with you right away. After everyone left we were alone with you for the first time. We counted your fingers and toes and thanked God for you. You were home. We called Joel and emailed him a photo of you. He couldn't wait to meet you! And on that Wednesday he finally did! You weren't too sure of everyone yet, but quickly you became fascinated with Joel.

You've been with us almost five months now and I still smile every time I think about you. You do new things everyday and are one of the happiest babies we've ever seen. My heart melts every time you put your hands on my face and look into my eyes. You "talk" none stop and can't wait until you say mommy for the first time.

Everyone has prayed for you from the moment we found out about you. Got is so faithful and has truly blessed us with you.

We met with our attorney today to sign our petition to adopt you. 60 days until we can finalize...my countdown has started!





I should finish this letter...maybe by her 2nd birthday!

Big Girl Bed!!!

I converted Aliya's crib to a toddler bed this morning...

Pictures soon to follow!

Joel

I just want to tell the entire world (or at least the 3 of you that read this blog) that I have the most amazing step son in the world! He is kind, gentle, funny, gifted, sweet, loving, smart, and a whole long list of amazing words!!!

I love you Bug and I am proud to be your step mom!

Should Write Something...

I feel like it's been forever since I've posted, but honestly, my heart just hasn't been in it these past few weeks. I'll be driving down the road for work and something triggers a thought and I think, "Okay, tonight I'm going to blog about this"...then I never do. Work has been crazy and home is just as busy!

Over past three weeks a lot has happened. Here are just a few highlights!

* Jon's mom came to Ohio for a week and a half to visit! The kids really enjoyed having her here and she was a HUGE help with cleaning (she always does it...I wonder if that's a sign my house is always messy?)

* Joel started 5th grade!!!! HOLY CRAP! I can't believe it! He is excited about going to camp Kern this year for the 5th grade field trip! Joel's school levy didn't pass so they have eliminated busing w/in a 2 mile radius of the school. This would of course not effect us, except that to accommodate all the traffic, they bumped the day up an hour, so instead of starting at 9:10a, they start at 8:25a. It's been a big adjustment this past week getting up and out the door early enough!! I have to admit, having a kid that makes his own breakfasts and packs his own lunches is G-R-E-A-T!!!

* Aliya is getting so big and talking up a storm! She talks constantly...and sings, and dances, and runs, and eats, and talks and talks and talks! She is following directions very well and listening a little better. Every day is something new with her!!!

* We are speaking again at the local Adoptive Parenting Class in mid October. I need to start organizing Aliya's pictures for printing!!

* We booked our flights for my sister's wedding for next month!!!

* Jon and my dad went to a Bangle's Game Thursday night! They had a great evening of "guy time".

* Work for me this past month has been crazy. A lot going on... That's all I can say, a lot going on!

I hope to take some pictures of the kids and get them posted soon, but these days that's easier said than done!

A God moment

I received a call yesterday from Aliya's birthmom. We haven't heard from her in over a year and a half. It was weird at first, I mean, what do you say to a woman that gave us her baby, wanted to keep in touch and then vanishes off the face of the earth for over a year? "Hi, it's so good to hear from you" is what I said. Unfortunately my phone was dying when she called so I only got to talk with her for a few minutes (not to mention I was walking into WalMart with a resident at work at the time) but our brief conversation went well. She asked about Aliya and how she is doing. Now you all know me, I have no problem bragging about our little ladybug, so I shared the newest highlights! As we ended the 8 minute conversation I told her I would call her back once I plugged my phone in.

Well, I didn't get the chance to call her back yesterday, but I did call her back this afternoon on my way home from Cincinnati.

I'm not going to lie, I had butterflies in my stomach as the phone rang. Would she answer? Would I just leave a message?

Then there she was, "hello?".

My heart stopped and I said a breath prayer asking God to guide our conversation. Instantly the butterflies were gone and it was like talking with a friend. Not and old friend, but a new one... We talked for almost 45 minutes, and only a few minutes was about Aliya. (for her privacy I won't post the entire conversation) But she shared with me her heart, then and now. She's in counseling, learning to cope with her life. She shared how her family still to this day does not support her adoption plan...I teared up as I told her that we love her and that she holds a very special place in our hearts. She gave us the most amazing gift and what a decision to make, a decision made of pure love for her child, to give her child a better life. I spoke boldly, maybe out of place, but I couldn't stop, the words just kept pouring out of my mouth... She needed to know that not only we love her, but God does too...and He is proud of the decision that she made for Aliya. He loves her, and that her family has no right to judge her, it was her right to make that choice and what a brave choice she made. She thanked me for my words and said, "I really needed to hear that".

She shared many more details of her life with me, she was different. Changed. Grown. She did not ask for anything, trust me, I asked what her expectations from me were after all this time. All she requested was the occasional picture and update. I can do that!

I can't quite explain the feeling I have right now...especially to those not directly involved, or to those who haven't been through this...but I pray she is honest in our conversations. I pray she is honest with her intent. I pray I am willing to give her grace. I pray I have discernment with her. I pray God anoints this relationship. I just want what is best for Aliya. I am excited. I am scared. I am hopeful. I am praying. I am willing.

20 Months Old!

Tomorrow Aliya will be 20 months old. I can't believe it, can it be true? Our little lady bug just a few months away from 2?!?!? She is growing and changing everyday! Listed below are a few of her new tricks!

* Loves to play "Rosie" (Ring around the Rosie) she sings then laughs when we fall down and she's still standing!
* Is learning to drink from a real cup, still spills a lot, but is so proud of herself!
* Has discovered soda and loves every sip she can get...she says soda really well too!
* Is very interested in clothes and being pretty
* Still doesn't watch much TV, she loves to flip channels, but doesn't watch anything for more than 20 seconds
* Is growing out of her 18 month clothes, esp shirts
* Very interested in daddy's garden, she likes to help water it and point out new veggies growing
* Is beyond in love with Joel (still)
* Has started asking "why" (we're in for it now!)
* Follows directions really well and loves to be helpful with cleaning
* Is tolerating her hair being done much better, will sit up to an hour now!
* Is very loving towards her little play friends, lots of hugs and kisses for everyone!
* Is a huge fish in the water! Loves to swim!!!
* "Bing" (swing) is still her favorite past time
* Some of her new words are: Plane, Momo (motorcycle), wawa (water), excuse me (in her own words of course), WHY???, mole, bless you, NO MINE...and many more I just can't think of right now
* Is very compassionate towards others
* Her baby is always in her arms right now
* Still gives "the look", even to the dog and her baby now
* Loves hitting the rock to everyone who will do it back to her
* Can identify almost all her body parts. We are currently working on sholders
* When asked how old she is most of the time she will tell you "one" while holding up one finger
* Sings all the time...heck, she talks all the time too, this girl is NEVER quiet!
* Loves to listen to her special CD that has her name in it! She asks for it by name, "Aliya, Aliya" then does the hand moves along with the song
* Still reminds us to pray before every meal
* Still won't stay in the walker's room at church on her own...
* Still the love of my life!

Trying something new!

So I bought a new hair product for Aliya today, Cream of Nature. It came highly recommended by a friend awhile back and I finally found out after going to several different Wal-Mart's in our area. And I have to tell you I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Aliya's hair has never felt so soft and easy to work with!! Thanks Kris for the tip!

So after bath tonight I decided to try a new style on Aliya. I don't remember what it's actually called, and it didn't turn out the best, but I'm pretty proud of myself for my first try! I need to work on getting her parts even and straight. I think it looks okay while she's sitting close in front of me, but when she walks away and I see the finished product I'm not exactly thrilled with it. I hope to get at least a week's wear out of this style before we have to take it down and start over! Aliya was so proud of her "pretty" that she kept showing daddy!!