Bray's "Lady Friend"

This is Ms. Melanie, Bray's Tuesday morning "lady friend" while Mommy is having her MOPS (Mother of Preschoolers) meetings and Bible studies.  Braylen adores her; he lights up when I mention Ms. Melanie's name.

Ms. Melanie is an exceptional caregiver; bless her heart for serving in the toddler room year after year.  She is always on the floor interacting with the "MOPPETS" giving them hugs, cuddles, and kisses.  Last week Braylen ran into her arms at drop off.  We will both miss her when Braylen moves up to the bigger kids room next year.

I was touched today when Ms. Melanie asked me if Braylen has local grandparents.  She commented that she would need to help out in that area since they are not local.  She gave me her phone number and encouraged me to call her anytime Braylen needed some extra lovin' or I needed a break.  She isn't a grandmother yet and would be happy to help me.  I never pass up an offer to watch my children.  Never.

My kids attach to their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and my girlfriends, yet this is the first time a grandmother-type figure has connected so perfectly with one of them.  It really does take a village to raise kids and when you are 1.5 hours from that precious grandparent help, you need to make great friends that will be your family.  My community has grown so much thanks to MOPS.  I am so blessed to add a surrogate grandmother to the mix of loving, supportive girlfriends.

Thank you Braylen for being a sweet little boy who stole the heart of Ms. Melanie.  He really is "ladies man"