Bird of Paradise

10 years in May.

1 of many flowers.

Do you see why it's a bird of paradise?

This plant was bought May 28, 2002 in Hawaii during our Honeymoon. Jon grew it, as I am not a green thumb and cannot keep a plant alive to save my life. He, (thank goodness), has a knack for greens! 

So today, Kailee and I were sitting on the floor looking at the bird of paradise and she said, "mom how old is this tree?" 

I said, "well, it's 9 1/2 years old, and it's not a tree, it's a plant." 

She smiled, then said, "mom, a plant should not be as big as a door."

I said, "Yes, I know but it is a plant, they can get to be 20' tall if they have the room." 

Kailee said, "Well, I don't think we should do that mom because it would be too big for our house." 

I said, "yes I agree." 

Kailee said, "Mom, so this plant is 2 years older than me?" 

I said, "Can you believe it?" She said, "So this was your first baby?" 

I smiled and said, "No, Lilly Sue was my first baby, the 'Bird' is Daddy's first baby." 

Kailee laughed and said, "Oh mom we both know a plant can't be a baby." 

(That Sassy has a point.)

She then adds, "but, it's still a pretty tree mom, the flowers are so pretty, how does a Hawaii plant grow in Michigan?"
I just smiled and said, "Let's ask Daddy." 

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Quick Update:
Today Kailee had done NWEA Testing which is a computer testing that measures academic progress.
She scored a 204, which is above her grade level.
 The purpose of them doing this testing is to see where the teacher can improve their curriculum and
to see if the child would qualify for a program for advanced learning.
Personally, I think it's wonderful that she's done so well but Kailee is a tender soul who gets a little
overwhelmed when she has too much thrown at her at once. So, after a nice discussion with her teacher we decided it would be best to just hold off and allow her to progress within the structure of the classroom.
I may regret my decision at some point but for now it's what has to be done for the love of Kailee and who she is at this moment in time. Her brilliance, her tender heart, her kind soul and her love for everyone is astounding. She makes me so proud to be her mommy.