Help Gift Ivy a Home for Her 2nd Birthday!

Sweet Ivy Turns TWO on August 5th!

It is with a heavy—yet hopeful—heart that I’m asking for donations in lieu of a party or gifts for Ivy’s second birthday. This year, my birthday wish for her is simple but profound: a home.

As many of you know, we left a domestic violence situation in December 2024. Our journey since then has been incredibly difficult, but we haven’t looked back. We've been staying in a women’s shelter for the past several months, and while it’s provided us safety and stability, our time here ends on August 1st.

I’ve been deeply torn about this decision. Like any mother, I want to celebrate big—throw a spectacular party full of joy and magic. We all want that for our babies. But this year, I’ve chosen to ask for financial support instead, and that decision comes from two very personal and important places:

• Ivy’s long-term wellbeing. As much as I want to give her a birthday bash, what she needs more is a safe, stable home—a place where she can rest, play, and grow.

• Safety concerns. Ivy’s father, who remains unstable and unpredictable, continues to violate the protection order the courts placed against him for both of us. He has missed major milestones and has expressed growing anger in emails and messages. Planning a public gathering would only increase the risk of him finding out and putting us in danger. For now, privacy and protection must come first.

That said—my little girl is already a force of nature. She is too sweet and bad TWO the bone, with or without a party. Her full name, Ivara (pronounced EE-var-uh), means “Brave Warrior”—a name she has embodied since before she was even born. She is a total rockstar. She's developed a love for drumming, music, and art and her creativty and passionate spirit shine through every day. She is my rock and my star —my strength and my light light in this incredibly dark and uncertain time.

I’m doing everything I can to not only survive but to thrive—for Ivy’s sake. I’m raising her on my own, without any financial support from her father, while we both continue to heal from the trauma we’ve endured.

Any donations will go directly toward:

• First month’s rent and a security deposit

• Basic home furnishings

• Ivy’s very own sleeping space (at the shelter we’ve been sharing a single twin bed)

• An art and music corner where she can explore her creativity

Anything left will be used for extracurricular activities. I’ve found a few promising options but am waiting to finalize anything until I know where we’ll be settling.

I love this girl more than words can express. My little “snugglebutterfly,” as she likes to call herself, is creative, strong, independent, and kind. She deserves a place to call home on her second birthday—a place of peace, joy, and safety.

Thank you for reading, supporting, and loving us through this next chapter. ✌️