Her First Dress

My momma is here from Florida and we are having a great time!  We bought her a dress to wear for Amy's wedding and we keep dressing her in it because she looks so darn pretty in it (plus she will outgrow it in a few days). 

A Beautiful Bride

My dear friend and old roommate, Amy, got married this past weekend.  She looked so beautiful.  Her wonderful husband is Matt and they are blessed to have found each other!  

Little Giggle

She is starting to laugh and smile....a lot!

Answered Prayers

Salvatore is full-swing in his "I can't" stage...and "I can't" stand it!  I know it is normal and I know it will eventually pass, but (remember, I was a History major-not a Child and Adolescent Studies major) I do not always know what to do about it.  Sometimes I ignore him, sometimes I comfort him, sometimes I walk him through whatever it is that he is afraid of or can't do, and sometimes I lose my cool.  Each approach has worked at times and failed me at other times.  Last week, he proclaimed with instant tears and a tantrum, that he couldn't walk down our three steps on the front porch, the same steps he mastered at 13 months old.  Fed up, I pulled another desperate trick from my sleeve.  I prayed for him, out loud with blessing myself and everything.  He stared at me for a moment, stopped crying instantly, thanked me, and proceeded down the steps.  Now, he wants me to "pray" for him every time we go down the steps.  O.K.  I can handle that.  When he started to throw a fit this morning while protesting against his filthy diaper getting changed, I prayed again.  Out loud.  With my eyes closed.  When I opened them, he was calm, smiling, and ready for his diaper change.  Now, "I can't" abuse this new wonder....must take it slowly and use it in emergencies only.  Thank God for certain answered prayers!

P.S. While he protests his diaper changing time, he has no interest or desire to potty train.  Missed that boat last year when I first slowly started to train him.  Oh well.  Lesson learned.

UPS

We were eating lunch and the doorbell rang, it was our regular UPS guy delivering a package for my dad.  While I signed for it, the guy asked for my dad and for Salvatore, so I opened the door wider so he could say "Hello" because they were seated at the table.  They exchanged "Hellos" and we made chit chat about getting a job at UPS.  When he left, I shut the door and asked my dad what his name was.  My dad said that he couldn't remember the guy's name, but Salvatore had the answer.  "His name is U-P-S, mommy, UPS!"

She is One Month Old Today

She is a wonderful, easy baby!  In a few days, I learned all of her cries and have now taught Salvatore to understand them as well.  She is now 9 lbs. 12 oz. and 21 1/2 inches long.  She eats so well and will sleep for one 4-hour block in the night and the rest of her feedings are every 2-3.  She is starting to smile and follow our voices.  She holds her head up well and loves her bath time.  What a blessing from God she has been for us all!

Now I Know...

that having TWO children is a double blessing!  We love it and can't imagine our lives without either one of them.  Valentina fits right in like she has been here forever!  Salvatore is an awesome big brother and is so helpful with her.  We are in the trenches now, though, with crazy dirty diapers, tantrums, quick trips to the store, constant feedings, and trying to give everyone proper attention and love!  But I love it!!!!  Thank you, God, for our beautiful family-we give all thanks and praise to You!

Question of the Week

While changing Valentina's diapers, Salvatore likes to stand next to her changing table on a little stool and watch.  Then he throws the wrapped up diaper away and gets me a new one.  He is now starting to figure out that we have to change her MANY times a day!  When I ask him if he still wants to help, he always says YES, but he now asks, "Otra vez (again)?"  Yes, my son, again.  He was staring at her little naked body and asked me, "Mama, where did you buy Valentina's legs?"  I laughed and answered that we did not buy them, we got them from God.  Then he asked, "Where did you buy her arms?"  My same response did not subdue him.  He asked, "Where did you buy her face?"  I smiled and this time said, "Jesus and God gave everything to her." Long pause....then his final question, "Well, where did Jesus and God buy them from?"

World Cup Soccer Fever

Mi Dulce Nina (My Sweet Girl)

My friend Melissa handmade this quilt for Valentina!

She is wearing my wedding ring on her toe.

Thank you photographer Sara for the great pictures.

She is getting big quickly!  Already up to 9 lbs 7 oz. and she will be one month old this Friday, June 18th.

Peek-A-Boo

Discovery

We spent Tuesday afternoon at the Discovery Science Center.  Brought out the kid in all of us.  Here is Salvatore playing a life size version of the game Operation.

Blowing smoke with daddy.  He was fearful of this exhibit at first, but quickly learned to love it.

Possibly his favorite exhibit; his priceless expression as he continuously threw the ball into the air only to watch it get swept up by the air blower.

David and Salvatore leaving their "impression" in the pin exhibit.

Salvatore was so happy to have Valentina with us all day and he constantly wanted to show her things and have her watch him as he discovered many things.  She slept the whole time, so I kept facing her car seat towards whatever he wanted her to look at and that pleased him perfectly!

Feels Like Summer

Eating Ice Cream with Friends

Jumping into the Pool

Splashing Around

Big Yawn

My Two Week Stats

Valentina here!  I went to my two-week appointment today with Salvatore and mommy and had a nice check up.  I now weigh 8lbs. 4 oz. and am 20.5 inches long.  Up a whole pound and one inch longer since leaving St. Jude.  My jaundice is completely gone and my doctor was very impressed with me holding my head up, enjoying my tummy time, and my reflexes.  Salvatore was very well behaved during my visit and was quick to tell my doctor that, no,  she MAY NOT take me home with her.  Things have been great at home also...lots of visitors, thoughtful presents, and everyone still loves to hold me constantly.  I am sleeping a lot during the day and pretty well at night, but I know my mommy isn't complaining...she says the nighttime is OUR SPECIAL ALONE TIME.  Thank you all for your continued prayers and for keeping my brother and I in your thoughts!