This is the day I got my ears pierced again...

Caida and I got them pierced together yesterday, actually. :) She was very brave, and afterwards she felt so fancy she kept modeling for her mom all night. :) It was a fun, small, special moment for both of us.

It made me miss Paul, though. There are so many small moments that remind me of him, or of his absence. Caida and Paul had a very special bond--he was her "Monkey Paul" (she couldn't say uncle) since she was 4, and had been in her life for two years before that. He loved her before we ever even dated. :) He gave her a pink guitar the Christmas we started dating and she still has it--this from the child that loses or breaks EVERYTHING. :) He loved her, prayed for her, worried about her, gave her a handful of priesthood blessings, and enjoyed sharing in all the little moments with her. Especially when we realized we couldn't have kids, he really took our nieces and nephews (and his primary kiddos) under his wing all the more. It helped that he was such a child himself. ;) They played, snuggled, and joked around with each other all the time. I wish I'd taken more pictures of them together. It's really sad to think that Caida will grow up and probably not remember her Monkey Paul...but I will try to remind her how lucky we both are to be loved by such a great man. And to help her family as they prepare to get sealed in the temple this year! I know he has had a BIG role in all of it, and I know he will be there with us on that special day.