Celebration Time: Mia's First Word

The girl talks! I can hardly believe it!

Yesterday, on my way home, I called and talked to Alfonso, you know, just to let him know his RELIEF was FINALLY on it's way. In my absence (darn it!), Mia decided it was high time to say her first word. Up until now, she's just said, "dada", "tete" (bottle) and on occasion, "mama", which we consider to be more sounds than words (and if you disagree, keep quiet).

He said he came into the room and said, "Hi, baby girl!" and wouldn't you know, he was greeted in return with a "Hi!". From that point on, she continued to say "Hi" every time she saw his face. There's some serious rejoicing going on in this household, folks!

I have a feeling we could be experiencing language explosion soon. Just today Miss Parrot said "Uh-oh!" after her Mama. Exciting stuff! Now, if we could only stay away fom that "no" word...

I haven't had the markers out much lately. Spencer lost interest some time ago, or so I thought, and my table had been spared for a bit anyway. However, within the last few days, I've realized how much his skill has improved. The once unintelligible scribble has become shapes that are easily deciphered.

Today, Spencer announed he was going to draw me. With pink marker in hand, he drew away. "This is your hair Mommy. And this is your nose. Here are your eyes." Just beautiful. A masterpiece.

S: "And Mommy, I drew your owie here."
H: And me, "Oh, well, why do I have an owie?"
S: "It's your nipple."

Don't panic. "Nipple" is just Spencer's lovely little nickname for pimples.

Apparently, love isn't completely blind.

Preschool Open House

This is our first time around with this preschool business, so we had no idea that it would, in some ways, feel like "real" school. Tonight, we went to Spencer's school for the grand tour given by Mr. Spencer himself. He really thinks he's hot stuff. I'd have to agree!

Hairband gone (terribly) wrong

"Give me your cookies and nobody gets hurt!"
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Seriously, a little slip of a hairband and Mia looks like a completely different kid. I laughed so hard I almost....well, use your imagination!

Musician Mia

Mia just loves our bucket of noise.

As for Spence, I think he'd rather the bucket go undiscovered. He was in the other room insisting, "Mia is making TOO much noise!". Now if only he could understand the concept of "too much noise" during Mia's naptime, we'd be golden!

When we picked Mia up, we received three disposable cameras filled with pictures of her from the last year. Can I tell you just how neat it is to have pictures of Mia with her foster family? I'm sure each picture will surely be a treasure for her one day.

Sifting through the pictures, we quickly realized why the girl was so deathly afraid of bath time in our big tub; In Guatemala she took her bath in a little round tub. Quite a change!

I have this itch to write about a more serious matter, but I know today just isn't the day. I'm fairly certain my brain is fried. I was driving through town today and saw a license plate that read 'TUITION'. So laugh away when I tell you that I was in the car trying my very best to figure out what in the world TWO-I-TIE-ON was. In my defense, it isn't often a license plate is SO simple.

Therefore, the serious matter will have to wait.

My Very First Kiss

From the very start, Mia's been the recipient of my kisses. When I've asked for a kiss, or a beso, she'd just lean her head down a bit and offer her forehead as the place to plant a smackaroo. Until yesterday, that is.

Once again, I asked for a kiss, but this time was different. Mia looked at me and this time she wanted a real kiss. This time I was the recipient of a big, wet, open-mouthed kiss. I was so thrilled, I told Alfonso to watch...again and again.

A Very Special Gift

Look what arrived! This special little bear's name is Pansy and she was sent for little Mia. Patty, my best friend Tracy's momma, made her by hand. What talent!

I have a feeling Pansy the Bear will far outlast any stuffed toy we pick up at Babies R Us. A priceless keepsake for a priceless little girl.

Preschool for Mr. Mighty Kid

Spencer was off to preschool this morning. Alfonso was able to go into work a little late, so Mom had plenty of support. I did boo-hoo after I was in the car driving home. I'm super excited for him, but I'll miss him.

I just picked him up and he wasn't overly thrilled when he realized time was up. That's a good sign, right?

Today marks one month since Mia was placed in our arms. I can't believe how fast time has flown. Wow.

Gilroy Gardens

Have you heard of Gilroy? Maybe I'm dreaming this up, but I believe Gilroy is often referred to as the 'Garlic Capital' and is home to the annual garlic festival. We've been to the festival in the past, and when it's in full swing you can smell the garlic and all the goodies created with garlic, from miles away. Seriously.

We missed the festival by a few weeks, but we had heard some good reports about the amusement park. It was great to be at an all inclusive park with rides geared towards little ones. I guess the same could be said of most carnival type rides, but who likes the $5.00 price tag that goes with?!

The kids had a fabulous time. Spencer is really into his new-found "mighty kid" power and was extra brave on all the rides. Mia seems to go with the flow and was happy just as long as she had her "te-te" (bottle) on time. A word of advice to ALL parents: Assume there's a water feature at EVERY amusement park. Of course, Spencer couldn't resist the water park and was absolutely soaked in the end. He spent the rest of the day shirtless. Nice.

True Fans

As the season draws to a close for "our" team, we decided attendance was a MUST for this family. Yes, we are true fans through the thick and (very) thin. Throw in a mini-tailgate "party", a fireworks show and count us in!

It was neat to take Mia to her very first game. After a spill in the car, she ended up wearing the very same sleeper Spence wore to his first game. Too much for this momma!

After a 9th inning win, we sat on the field and watched the fireworks. The show was absoletely amazing, even to us "oldies". It was quite a relief to see the sponsor, a big name gas company, is indeed spending their profits very well!