I love days like today...

it was sort of like this:

First doctor visit

Flor had an appointment with her new pediatrician today. We finally got her insurance settled and she was such a big girl too! She kept saying, "Mama, yo no lloro." (I don't cry) and "It's ok." Definitely reassuring herself more than she was me. She didn't like the gown she had to wear. It got in the way of her wiggling around all over the table and on the floor. So, she spent most of the time just in her panties... not shy at all!! At least the doctor was a lady and I told her that it was ok for the doctor to see her panties.

We weren't sure on the translation of one of the vaccines, so I have to get back to her and follow up. I will ask her then more about follow up surgeries for her cleft pallet.

Dumbo

Ok, so I bought this kiddie pool at Target, thinking I was getting this great deal... $5.00! Well, as you can see... I got my money's worth... it is a BABY pool!! But Flor, being Flor, did not care one bit that she barely fit. She had such a blast this afternoon! She swam and swam! Then her Barbie's swam too! So, I'd say it was WELL worth the $5 I spent for it! I can't wait to take her to a big pool this summer!!

The beginning of this video reminds me of Dumbo swimming the bucket taking his first bath! She was so cute!!

meant to be

Today I felt so exhausted. Not really sure why. Tonight was one of those nights that really make me wish I stayed at home with Flor. Sometimes I have a little pity party and only invite myself. I think of how unfair it is for Flor that I have to keep working... blah, blah, blah... seriously?!? Would she be better off without me?!? No way, Jose. I know that God sees this desire in my heart and that one day I will be able to do just that, until then I do what I have to do.

Every day I see more and more of myself in her. Some things that freakishly make up her own little personality, that I had nothing to do with, but that are so me... other things that she so sweetly copies from her favorite person in the world... that'd be me. Either way, there is no doubt in my mind that she was born my daughter. I wish I could explain it to make people understand. It's not some great thing I've done here... It's not that I've "saved" her from whatever life she would have had... This is just the way it has to be. There is no way around us being together. Both of our lives have taken us down these paths..., paths that have crossed and now intertwined!

swine flu vacation

You may know that all schools/daycares/school activities have been cancelled in Madison County, Madison City, and Huntsville City areas because of 2 possible cases of the swine flu... and as it worked out, I got to stay home with Flor today. We've had a lazy morning, sleeping in until 9, since we had company last night until almost 11.. but Flor didn't mind because she sure loves Brennan and Tanner!! They were so funny when I told them that their school was out until Monday. All you could hear were woohoo's and yay's, until they saw me glaring at them. Then they quickly said a little prayer, "God, thank you for closing school for two days..., but please heal the kids that are sick." So sweet. We really had a good time though. (we played Scrabble, Dutch Blitz, Candy Land, and Battleship until the wee hours of the... well, like I said, almost 11. She slept like a log, and when we got back from lunch she asked me if she could go to sleep. OF COURSE!! This girl was definitely made for me, we both loooooove our sleep!! It was nice to get in a little nap myself!

forget bunny ears...

Just wanted you to know that Flor is the biggest girl in the world... she tied one tennis shoe today!! She confidently told me this morning, after I'd already tied on one shoe, "Mama, I can do it myself." Oh, ok, I thought. Then there she goes... tighten, loop, swoop, and pull.... !! Can I just say that it is the understatement of the year to say that I am such a proud mommy!!

Yes, that's right...

I did not take a picture of Flor on Easter.



It could be worse. :)

here's what's happening in our neck of the woods!

Flor can sing her ABC's and it's really cute when she gets to the "Now I know my ABC's" part because then she starts all over again at "H, I, J K, L, MNOP..." She will finally realize the song has gone on far too long and say, "Ya, mama.", ever so calmly and await my "Good job!"... it's really sweet.

She can understand a lot of English, though all she says on her own is, Thank you, you're welcome, I love you the most, now (which she says in the sweetest little southern accent), she also says, "Por favor, Please!" lol.. , she is too cute! She'll repeat anything you tell her too, and every once in awhile she'll belt out a "Alabama, ROOOOOOLL TIDE!!!" She also sings along to a Ray Lamontagne song that I've played in my car over and over again since she's been here. It's been nice that family and friends have been able to communicate with her, even if it's one way for now. I've been trying to speak more English to her at home. Up until the past week or so, it's been mainly Spanish between she and I. I imagined it helped her feel more at ease in all of her new surroundings.

She qualified for speech therapy through the State, and I will start this Friday by taking her to the elementary school that we live near for 30 minutes a week. They aren't sure how much they can help since she does still have an opening in her pallet, but they said they wanted to try. I believe that it can only benefit her. She's doing great in school, and enjoys asking me every morning who it is that will pick her up each day. It's sweet to see how excited she gets each and every time, whether it be Melodie, Gran, or Stephanie... she seems to get a kick out of it! She always asks me why, if someone is coming to visit her or pick her up... she'll ask, "Why?", with her little hands on her hips, then she'll casually answer her own question with this honest answer, "Because they love me a whole lot!!"

So. very. true.

Sneak peak!!

For those of you who didn't take advantage of the hottest up and coming photographer while she was in town, then, well... YOUR LOSS!!! ;) Sneak a peak at a few of the pics she took of my little flower: Check out Kelsey Lantz's blog to see!! You'll be a better person for looking, I promise... well, at least it will make you smile.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Fernanda!!!

Fernanda had a build-a-bear party that was so adorable!

Friday we went up to the park and the girls had so much fun playing on the playground!

Kelsey took her pictures yesterday after the party and I cannot wait to see them!! I'm pretty sure they will be the most adorable pictures you'll ever see! ;)