9 months old!!

Babygirl, 

You keep impressing me daily with how much you're changing and growing. You make me smile daily as you learn new things, and it makes me sit back and take each moment in as if I haven't been doing these things my whole life. You're making me not take new "little" moments for granted, such as learning to sit up, standing up, walking, etc. Here's a review of what you've been doing the last month of your life...

New foods: mango, pickles, tilapia, mama tonas rice and chicken soup, chili, yogurt, pineapple, blueberries, asparagus, peas

-learned to sit up on your own (starting from laying down position)

-started saying "nana"

-you've begun making a chewing motion when you eat now 

-you've started to become interested in helping to spoon feed yourself 

-when I go to get you in your crib, you're usually standing or sitting up waiting for me

-you kneel all the time now, especially when you're about to stand up

-you open an close your hands like your saying "more" or "come here" 

-you're starting to stand up alone on your own, for a few seconds at a time, but you hold onto things standing for a while 

-you click your tongue 

-you climb all over me as if I'm your own personal jungle gym 

-you give us high 5s!

-you pull yourself up in your crib to stand up nonstop

-you're learning to listen when daddy and I say "no" to you. You stop and look at us and stop touching what we tell you not to touch... Good girl!

What a great daddy...

*WARNING: a bunch of mushy lovey dovey things are about to be said!!!*

Watching my husband with Leeana brings so much joy to my life! He's so sweet with her! He comes home from work everyday, greets me with a kiss, and then goes right to Leeana to pick her up (and she grins from ear to ear) and he gives her a big kiss and hugs her. She lights up everyday she sees her daddy come home, as if it's the best part of her day, I think it is, because the family is altogether again. This moment everyday is always exciting for all of us! 

I love seeing him hold her hands as he helps her learn to walk across our living room floor. She's so excited to be moving and using those legs, and he just enjoys each step he gets to help her take. Watching him have these precious moments with our little girl makes me love him all over again! How sweet it is to see him be her first real love. She rests her head on his chest, and he soaks that moment up, as it won't last for long with our little mover. I absolutely love being able to sit back and watch these moments happen. 

When Carlos and I began dating (over 8 years ago) I always imagined how incredible of a dad he would be. Seeing it happening in front of my own eyes is unbelievable. I'm so thankful I took the time to learn so much about you in preparation for my future, which soon became OUR future. It was wise that we really questioned one another, as it paid off... Now I have an amazing husband and father for my children! {Women... If you're interested in someone, don't just question if he's good to his mother but think about all other areas: leadership, faith, finances, family, children, cleanliness, etc.} He blows me away with how much he loves her and steps up to help me when I need it. He doesn't mind changing a diaper, helping me feed her dinner... Especially now when she won't open her mouth (silly girl!!) and so much more!! He truly is an incredible father. Were learning how to parent together in now correcting Leeana as she's beginning to explore our house in a whole new way... Oh you little crawler! I love that we're being united together in how we're handling things and teaching her "no" immediately, and working as a team. So thankful for us sticking together side by side and and growing yet again in our marriage. Parenting has been a whole new experience, and yet it's bringing us closer together as we're figuring it out and laughing along the way! 

I'm so thankful for this incredible man that God has given to me. He works so hard so that I can be home with our little girl, enjoying the days with her, friends and family, while he's working hard everyday. How am I this fortunate!?! I know as she grows, it won't always be this "laid back" on normal days, taking visits all the time when homeschooling begins, but I'm thankful for these fun moments as we get to watch her grow together. {I don't want people to think we don't have busy days... But when school begins we won't be out as much.} thank you for helping me reach my goal of being home with our little girl! I look forward to the future kids we have together to where I can be home and raise them and teach them as well!

I love you Carlos! You truly mean the world to me! Besos!

8 months!!

Baby girl, 

   You're already 8 months old! Wow, what an incredible month it's been! I can't believe how much you've changed and how much has happened in the last few weeks. You've changed sooooo incredibly much, and your personality is changing everyday! I love watching you grow and it's been so surreal knowing that everyday that goes by, you're getting closer and closer to your 1st birthday!!! Just less than 4 months left and then we can celebrate the day that you came into this world! 

   I'm truly enjoying everyday that I get to watch you grow and change. I wish that the days would go a little slower so that I could enjoy the moments with you more and more. You're finally cutting your first tooth in the last 2-3 days and I can feel it with my finger. I know it'll be here in a few more days, which it's showing me that you're growing up more and more. I love you so much little munchkin! So let's look back on all the fun things you've accomplished your 7th month of life...

New foods you've tried: mashed potatoes, strawberries, raspberries, oatmeal, corn

-you've said dada

-you really have become a pro at sitting up

-you get on your hands and knees to crawl and rock back and forth

-you clapped your hands by yourself 

-you'll sit in a straddle and put your head down in the ground 

-you're learning to open your mouth to give kisses back. 

-you army crawl now

-you've become super determined for things that you want to have 

-you scrunch your face a LOT now when you smile... Almost every time!

-you squeal so much more now

-you pant (like a dog) when you're super happy or excited

-you've fallen completely in love with Preemo and will stare at him and smile all the time

-you hit your mouth when you make noises, and sound like a little Indian 

-began really holding your sippy cup when you want to drink your water

-you've officially begun to crawl!!! (As of 4/4/14)

-you figured out how to drink from your sippy cup when it's for 12 month old babies (you didn't like the ones for her age) 

I look forward to your next month of life, and can't wait to see what new things you learn and how many teeth you get, building up to being 9 months old! Love you little one! 

MWAH,
Mommy

Lunch date with your abuelito

First time on a swing and slide

Play date with your cousin Lucy

Play date and nap time with Lucy and granddaddy

 Wearing your granddaddys glasses

Visiting your granddaddy at work

Hanging at your cousin Brandon's 3rd bday party

Getting ready to crawl

First pinata swing at your cousin Brandon's 3rd bday party

Raspberry & strawberry lipstick

Growing too fast...

Wow my girl is growing up fast! Tonight I realized her first tooth is beginning to finally cut in on the bottom. {it's about time} but I realized how fast these last 8 months have gone!!! I don't think I'm ready to give up her incredible cute gummy smile, but I don't have a choice. I hope the teeth aren't too mean to me during nursing time, and that she continues to be a happy teething baby.  

So tonight, I sat down in my rocking chair, began to nurse leeana and she was super excited as she knew it was time for bed. She sure loves her last meal of the night, and I love it to because it's our special time together. I don't know what I'll do when she no longer enjoys nursing (which hopefully is a long time away) because I love the special time we have together, which only I get to share with her. Ok, sorry... Back to the point. So I was nursing her for bed and she finally began to calm down and actually fell asleep. What a rare and beautiful thing that just happened! She barely ever does this, so of course I took full advantage! I began to rub her head an pray quietly for her. After talking to my mother in law, Ada, and how important it is to pray for your children's spouses (as she did for Carlos, and for her other kids) I wanted to make sure I'm continuing to do it, as I have since we brought her home from the hospital. I truly hope she finds a man as great as her father. I pray she finds a man to lead her and hold her according to Gods word and truly treats her like a queen. A man that will love her and to help her grow in her role as a wife an mother (one day) and to truly be all she can be to glorify God. There is so much more I hope for in her future husband, but that's just the beginning. 

I began to weep thinking about how one day she will grow up and be older than this precious little 8 month old, and will no longer need me to do everything for her. As happy as it sounds, it saddens me. I love being her mother, and doing things for her. Yes it can be tiring at times to feed one more meal, but that's what I wanted when I became a mom. I began crying thinking about how I don't want to miss a moment of her life and take these precious moments with her for granted. I'm so thankful that I'm able to be home with her, so I don't miss the incredible times of her growing and making me laugh, as I return the favor and make her laugh. {thanks to my incredible husband for allowing me to stay home by working hard so that I can enjoy this incredible treat of watching her daily. Without him, it wouldn't be possible. He's made my dreams come true!}

Being a mom is such an incredible job. In the moments that they grow and make progress in life, it's sooo rewarding! In the moments they test your patience, it's challenging. When they grow up and leave home, it's saddening. Although I haven't experienced the tough times yet, they're on there way. I truly look forward to every area of motherhood and I'm so thankful I won't miss a thing! I love you so much Leeana Eva! You're my sunshine little one! 

Besos

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...

You're with your Uncle Jonathan, but now he's your new daddy!

You first hated your crate

You got SUPER comfy with Preemo & your new bed right away

Super anxiety in your crate, which we worked on so 

much and you eventually came to LOVE your crate

You began to love your bed

Kisses for my girl

Sticking your tongue out at me

Rainy day!

Family picture!

Loved picking up my BIG girl

Church clothes

Christmas time

Hanging out on the stairs

Getting comfy with your new brother Rocky... moments before you left 

Our last pic together before you headed out to your new home