Dear Kinsley,

By now you are probably wondering why we have not left the house in over 2 days. Let me explain. Our car has decided that it no longer wants to be part of our family. Basically, daddy and I have decided to refuse to pay the obscene bill the mechanic claims it will take for it to be drivable and safe. Thus, here we are, stuck at home without a car.

We are both a bit stir-crazy at this point but have managed to make the most of being stranded. Lots of playdough, painting, bubble baths, and popcorn while watching your favorite show, Diego, have helped but we still need some fresh air. Also, we encountered a new first this afternoon when you refused to get out of your crib after your nap. This has never happened but you are now going on about 25 minutes of play time in there denying any offer I give to lift you out. I have given you a couple extra books and I now hear you have turned on the ABC radio I handed you in my attempt to make your crib experience more enlightening. It’s kinda sad you would rather be in your crib prison than explore this house any more.

On the bright side, I did get to hear you count to 10 for the first time today—totally on your own and unprompted (minus the number 2 and not perfectly consecutive) but I am still so proud and smile at remembering that moment!

Ideally, we will go to a dealership tonight in hopes of a new car that can give us the promise of freedom tomorrow. However, you and I will be following daddy in his car as he drives the jeep to its final resting place. In the mechanics words, it could completely break down in 2 or 200 miles….but it WILL happen. We will pray hard as we follow in a safe 1 mile distance behind that the jeep can hold on until we reach Denver. Hopefully, Mr. Car Dealer won’t notice the desperation in our eyes and still give us a considerable cut on the ticket price.

Hang in there, pumpkin,
Mommy