My Baby Girl

Bubble Cakes

Three days later
*Ashley's POV*

Today Everleigh and I went to the park. I had the day off of work, and it was a beautiful day. Everleigh absolutely loves the park! That and the zoo are her favorite things to do. It's about 4:30 in the afternoon, and we are on our way back. Everligh is in the back seat singing her heart and soul out to Zootopia, one of her favorite movies.

I smile and glance out the rear view mirror at my sweet baby girl. Her face is stained with orange powder from the cheetos she ate earlier. Her cheeks are turning pink from the sun, and lack of sunscreen. Her arms, and legs are caked with dirt and grass stains. Still she was happy and content. I chuckle quietly to myself. Even though dating Justin is the worst mistake I've ever made, Everleigh is just the opposite. My love for her is unconditional. When I first found out I was pregnant with her I was devastated, and now I simply can't imagine my life without my sweet Everleigh Joy Benson.

***

As soon as I park the car in the garage, Everleigh immediately bounces out of her seat, and is ready to hop out the door.

"Not so fast stinker." I say. Everleigh freezes in place, and gives me a puzzled look. I smile at her.

"You need to wash your hands, and face as soon as we get inside, ok?"
Everleigh nods.

"Ok momma." Then she opens the car door, and races inside. She un buckles her shoes, kicks them off, and runs into the bathroom, just as I instructed. I set the empty cooler on the bench by the door, and bend down to pick up Everleigh's shoes. Just then Everleigh comes into the room.

"No Momma!" she yells grabbing the shoes from my grip. I stare at her, a bit taken aback by her unusual manor.

"I can do it by myself!" she crys delightfully, a huge smile spreading across her face. She opens the front closet and places them one by one carefully into the correct cubbie.

By the time Everleigh turned two, the front closet was disastrous! All of Everleigh's coats, hats, and shoes were scattered everywhere, and they were nearly impossible to find them when we needed them! So I separated the closet into little sections using cubbies. Each cubbie is used for a pair of Everleigh's shoes. I also found these hanging canvas cubbies to place on either side, where Everleigh can store her hats and gloves. Even though we live in LA, winters can still get pretty cold.

Everleigh closes the closet door,and turns around with a proud smile.

"See? I told you I could do it by myself!"
I smile proudly at my daughter.

"Good job Everleigh!"

Everleigh beams.

"What do you want for dinner?" I ask walking into the kitchen. Everleigh follows close at my heels.

"um.... pizza?" she asks, looking up into my eyes. I kiss her head.

"sure!" I say. "Pizza sounds great!"
Everleigh jumps up with excitement.

"Yay! Pizza, pizza, pizza!" she sings, jumping around the kitchen. I shake my head, and try to keep from bursting with laughter.

"Alright go play!" I instruct guiding her out of the kitchen. She immediately races down the hall, and into her playroom. As soon as she's out of sight, I pick up my phone to order the pizza.

***
Ding dong. The doorbell rings. I walk over to the front door,and peek behind the curtain to make sure it wasn't paparazzi or a crazy mob of fans. To my relief, it was pizza delivery. I quick fix my hair before opening the door.