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!

Mia doesn't need toys for entertainment. Usually, she'll just find some random item laying on the carpet (and there seem to be plenty of those these days) and find herself happy. This has worked well for us and our budget, but who in the world can resist free money in the form of a gift card, eh?

So, we left Target with this little gadget just for Mia. She loves it! Now if we could just get little man to understand this too, we'd be set. Today, he insisted he place the toy high up on the fridge with a promise that he'd lift Mia up anytime she wanted to play. Right!

A Day at the Park

Snuck in a few pictures today at the park when the kiddos would cooperate. And no, you won't be seeing one of the pair...unless you'd like to see a picture of a (mild) battle.

Precious.

Farmer's Market finds

We're trying to get in the habit of buying our produce at a local farmer's market. We find the produce is far more fresh and ripened tha natural way.

Here's a picture of our goods. Arrangement courtesy of the hubby.

A first and a lesson learned (hopefully)

Spencer played his very first game of bowling and had a blast! After the fiasco at soccer this year, we were just overjoyed to see him enjoying an activity. He's had a few bouts of I-can't-do-itis recently and this certainly was encouraging for us to see.

At one point, I was a little nervous when I realized my not quite four-year-old son was four pins away from MY total. I know it is good to let 'em win and that was exactly what I was doing...right. He scored 76 his second round and reeked of grease. It was great!

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WARNING: Please stop here if you're about to eat...anything!

So, Mia's had this fastination with removing her diaper lately. Maybe it is the velcro sound of the cloth diaper that gets her; I'm just not too sure. Because of this, I've had her in a least a onsie at all times. I was certain to relay this information to my dear hubby, for fear of the consequences. He's forgetful (he'll deny this) and sent Mia back to bed after a late-night comfort session, bottomless.

Alright, so morning arrives and I hear little Mia awake and ready for pick-up. I go in her room to greet her, but almost immediately want to shut the door. I see the diaper, clean and not on baby. Oh, and little deposits all over the place.

In case your wondering, Alfonso was on a run the morning when said incident occurred. I did my part and cleaned up Mia. When he arrived back home I told him, with a smile of course, that a surprise was waiting for him upstairs. Spencer filled him in and exclaimed, "It's poop, Dad!!".

I don't think he'll EVER forget again.

It was my most powerful mind control, I tell you

Eleven years ago this hottie asked me to be his girlfriend. Now that we're married, it may seem silly to celebrate this anniversary, but heck, I've almost been with this guy half my life. And that is worth celebrating for sure.

Alfonso is an amazing friend, husband and dad. I couldn't possible dream up a better fit for me. Really.

How'd I come up on top on this deal?! Thank you Jesus!

If only this could be bottled...

Last night, Spence and I spent some time star-gazing in the wilderness that is (not) our backyard. Thankfully, even the street lights were unable to block out all those shining beauties.

Always one for cuddling, last night was no different (and here's to hoping Spencer always snuggles some). He looked at me and said, "Mommy, you're the goodest Mommy". And with those few words, undid the challenges of the day (and believe me, there were some, um, challenges).

Today, after our, 'Please, never grow up speech', Spencer seemed unconvinced; he wants to grow big. And in return, he exclaimed, "I want to grow big fast. Can I, pleeeease? I'm goin' be a mighy kid!"

I find it funny that he believes his growth (or the lack of ) is in our control. If it were, I think we'd like him to stay little a bit longer.

'paghetti face

Thankfully, not every meal is this messy!

A mini Mia update

Mia's adjusting beautifully. The adjustment period isn't without it's bumps, but that is to be expected. Truthfully, I was having the most difficult time because Mia's bonding to me has been slow. That's a hard pill for a Mommy to swallow. I'm excited to report that there's been some positive progress: there's more eye contact, more reaching out, more babble, tears when I "disappear". As Alfonso leaves me solo as of tomorrow, this progress comes at a good time.