Stardusted

Entry 1

22/4/12 16:20
"Philo" - Male, originated from Greek philein 'to love' or philos 'loving.'
The light poured in from the outside world; dawned in her birthday suit she basked in the bay window, drenched in the golden sunlight of the afternoon she read. She reached her toes upward to tickle them against the parted curtains. Left over right she crossed her legs, the book leisurely leaning against her thighs and atop her tummy, and with a melodious hum she spent the afternoon there. Hours later, she found herself tangled in the mess of her own hair and snug in nothing but her own skin and the fluffiest blanket you could imagine. This is where I found her. Though somehow within the day she had slipped out of and hidden the dress I had taken her to church in that morning I couldn't be happier to see her.
Her given name is Nova, but every morning as I dress her she says "My name is different today." Some days it's Princess and others it's Lily or Rose or Kevin or even ketchup on the days she's feeling silly, and I call her as she wishes. I always tell her that she can be whoever and whatever she wants, and today it was Philo. Though she's not incredibly outdoorsy like most young girls, she's definitely a no-shoes-no-socks-no-shirt kind of kid, and though I'm not the most athletic, I manage to keep up with the little bouncing ball of life that she is.
I never imagined myself as a parent, and even though I couldn't imagine myself without little Nova, I still can't imagine myself as one. I do consider myself to be Nova's parent; however, I'm not her biological father. Nova is realistically my niece, although after my sister passed away due to cancer three years ago and since her father and I agreed that due to his involvement in the Navy, I would be a more stable parent for Nova, I've been responsible for the little sweetheart.
As for today, though, it's a Sunday, so we attended a church service in the morning. I'm not the most religious person to have ever lived, so I never force Nova to go, but she chooses to every now and again, so I take her. It's what Emilia (my late sister and Nova's mother) would have wanted. After church we had lunch at my new favorite cafe, Lucardio's, and she had a grilled cheese with tomato and a shake, as she always does. There's this girl that works there, everyone calls her O. I don't know her name, because we haven't lived here long enough for me to get to know many people, but she takes a liking to Nova. I hope I can get to know her better.

Cont. - 1:30
Nova had another night terror tonight. This is only the first documented one, but it's not nearly the first. She's been having them ever since her mother died. They seem to be getting less severe. No injuries this time. She's back asleep now. I will be too soon. I just felt the need to put this down on paper first.