My Life.....: March 2014

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

7 months old!!!

Leeana,

Just one year ago on 3/4/13 your daddy and I found out that we were going to have a little girl... You! Wow how amazing it was to think that we could begin to really prepare for your arrival... Doing the baby registry for the things you would one day use, painting your room (purple), setting things up to get ready for when we would bring you home! Wow, how in just a year so much has changed. It was incredible seeing you on the sonogram that day, so developed and moving the whole time. You've never been one to just stay still (as I saw in every single sonogram, you would roll around like crazy) and yet you've proven that you're the same to this day! You're quite a mover... The name speedy Gonzalez fits you well!! I can't believe that now a year later, you're 7 months old and an incredible little baby girl! I love watching you grow, just as I cried the day we found out you were going to be a little girl, I was so happy knowing that I would get to experience watching you grow, and here you are doing it!

You've made me the happiest mommy getting to see how much you're progressing in everyday life! Seeing you change from one day to the next is amazing! You make me so happy when I'm able to talk about you to others in how much I love being a mom. I hear others complain at times when they don't enjoy being home with their kids (and yes we all need breaks from time to time, as I've gotten a few and love them) but definitely I'm loving being home with you everyday and spending time with you even when you're crying or not feeling well, I love knowing that I'm the one that can be there to comfort you. What joy you bring to my heart daily! I love you so much babygirl!

Let's recap your last month of life and how much you've changed:

-you're learning how to jump (you'll stand and then collapse your legs until you stand up again)

-you've learned how to make spitting noises which you tend to do to entertain yourself

-said first word "mama" 2/11/14

-learned to stand up and hold onto me for support to do it yourself

-you've begun to push yourself backwards on the ground, only once that I've noticed

-you hold onto my hands and pull yourself up to stand

-you smack everything now, to show your happiness. (Smack my arm when I pick you up from after being in your crib, while you take breaks during nursing, just sitting there and staring, etc) - MY HAPPY GIRL

- the constant scratching every time that you touch someone has stopped... YEAH!

-you giggle so much more now! You know when something is coming and you begin to expect more tickling or kisses and already start giggling... You have the greatest little laugh!

-when you're having a diaper change or standing up, you punch your belly like King Kong with excitement, while smiling

-you get excited when you get a diaper change or lay down that you bang your legs (over and over again) with excitement.

-you stick your legs through the slats in your crib just to have them "hang out" (lol, pun intended) but sometimes your arms get stuck an then you're not so happy anymore

-you've begun to start pushing yourself up while you're laying down (working on learning to push yourself to sit up alone), and soon you'll be able to do it all by yourself without me needing to help your sit-up

-you love to stick your tongue out and chew on it

-you sure love to scream whenever you can, as you learn new noises that you're able to make

-you've learned to rub your nose and make funny faces when there is something in your nose

-you smack your belly now when I pour water on you during bath time, and giggle too! Absolutely the best!

Book reading time

Daddys shoulders at Aunt Jessica & Uncle Rob's wedding 2/16/14

Fun weekend with Aunt Rachel, Michelle, and Mama Tona

First time in your new high chair

IHOP fun with mommy & daddy

First Valentine's Day

Visit from Uncle Jon & Aunt April (first time they've seen you since you were 3 weeks old)

Outtakes from your baby pics this month with grammy

My birthday dinner at Sakura

Playdate with your cousin Lucy

Aunt Jessica & Uncle Rob's wedding

To my Penny girl

I remember the first time I met you and how happy preemo was to meet his new potential sister. You and preemo did so well together and played so much, as the snow began to fall. Before we left, I planted a big kiss first on your forehead, and didn't care that I barely knew you and that you were a "dangerous" dog, a pitbull. We made your adoption official on February 10, 2012. That became your official birthday, since you were found on the streets of glen burnie, and had no official birthday that we were aware of. Carlos and I had spent so much money to spoil you once you were placed in our home. We got you a big crate, your own bowls, tons of food and treats, a big bed for you, tons of toys, etc.

You immediately grew attached to me, as I became your "person" and I loved it! You learned tricks fast and always wanted to please us. We took you to dog training and you learned so much, and we learned how to work with you better, as you're a strong willed dog and preemo, isn't. It was amazing seeing you grow in so many areas. Unfortunately you had terrible allergy problems and that began from the start. We worked hard and spent so much money at the vets to give you antibiotics that didn't "fix" the problem. We finally changed your food and you became a happy girl again! You loved to eat raw chicken and anticipated your meal times everyday! You would never let us forget when it was time to eat, as you began pacing back an forth, knowing that you were able to put some delicious food in that belly!

In time, we added another family member to the bunch, leeana. She began to take my focus from you and preemo, as I needed to tend to every need of this precious child. As being a mom of a baby and 2 dogs, life became tougher and you were no longer getting what you needed from us. The attention you desired was now being given to a baby. You did amazing with Leeana, and never acted out. You were so gentle and loving to her, but I could tell you were sad. I couldn't keep up with all things such as the baby, the house, and 2 dogs and the attention you both required.

Unfortunately we had to make the decision to give you up to someone who could take care of you. My brother and sister, your once aunt and uncle, and now your mommy and daddy... Jonathan and April! As tough of a decision that it was for Carlos and I, we knew that we were being selfish keeping you with us, and not giving you everything you needed. It was no longer fair on your part, as you deserve to be spoiled! You're an incredible dog and the 2 years we had you, you've helped me to prove how incredible the pitbull breed is- as you changed SOOOO many minds! I loved how shocked people were when I told them you were definitely a pitbull yet you just wanted to be laying down after meeting them. They expected you to attack, with being a pitbull, yet you were so gentle. You were so sweet, happy, calm, loving, protective, and so much more! You always were wanting to rest, but you were always "on guard" if someone came to the house unexpected. I loved that about you. I always felt so safe! Your loyalty was incredible! You were always there for me and knew we would take care of you, so you would always come back even if we were just mad at you two seconds ago for something wrong you did. I'm truly thankful for the time I had with you, and although you probably don't even care anymore that you don't see me (cause you're being so spoiled right now- and I've seen the pics and videos) I miss you more than you know. I've cried numerous times wishing you were following me into the kitchen, or just having your excited self with me, or having a playmate for preemo, etc. You truly have shown me and others how incredible the pitbull breed is. I love you Penny girl! You truly helped change my life, and just know you always have a place in our home... If things don't work out with your new parents!

Love,

Your once mommy, now your foster mom

Pics of throughout the last 2 years...