My Johanna Faith

Johanna's First Prayer

2009-12-31T09:10:00.003-06:00

I pray with Johanna every night before putting her to bed. Usually I thank God for the day and whatever good happened that day, ask for a good night's sleep and then ask Him to bless "Grandma, Mommy, Johanna and all the little children everywhere."

Last night Johanna was sleeping with me. Several minutes after we prayed she asked if I wanted to pray again. I told her no and asked if she wanted to pray. She folded her hands and closed her eyes. I guessed that meant she wanted to pray. She just lay there so I finally told her to say "Thank you God." Her prayer went something like this.

"Thank you God. Thank you God. Thank you God. Thank you God. Xavie, Pandy, today, safe, Grandma, popcorn, sleep, Pandy, safe, Grandma, Xavie, today, friends, popcorn, etc . . .
When she stopped I told her to say "Amen". It was was the cutes thing. She just said a bunch of words that I have used in our prayers (except popcorn). It didn't make much sense to me but I'm sure it did to her and I KNOW God understood.

FFF - Favorite Foto Friday - I'M BACK!!!!

2009-12-18T09:54:00.003-06:00

I have been more than terrible about keeping my blog. I have family that visit and I need to keep it updated better so they can see how much Johanna is growning. So . . I'M BACK!!!!!!!!!!

Today is Friday so it is time for a favorite foto.

Last week Johanna was spinning around in the living room when she lost her balance. She fell into the corner of the tv table hitting the corner outside her eye. By the time she got up from her nap she had a nice shiner.
Sunday I dressed her in an adorable Christmas outfit for church and took her outside to get a pictre. Below is what I got!

She's 2 Years Old!!!

2009-07-27T18:28:00.005-05:00

Johanna turned 2 years old on Thursday. We had her birthday party Friday night. She had Dora the Explorer decorations and a Dora cake. Guests were Grandma, Cousin Xaviera, Great Aunt and Uncle Stella and Willard, Uncle Lowell and Cousin Brooklen, and Cousins Jeremy, Ina, Chad and Kristina.

Little Miss USA

2009-07-22T13:07:00.007-05:00

I know it has been way too long since I have posted on this blog. My laptop cord broke and it took over two weeks to get one that fit. I have lots to blog about so I will try to do a new post daily for awhile.
On Saturday, June 13 we got a letter from the USCIS stating that Johanna's citizenship had been approved. I was very excited!! We would have to drive to Wichita to pick up the certificate so we would do that at the end of our vacation. The first day of vacation we went to "Build-A-Bear" to make Johanna a red, white and blue doggy with USA clothes on.

Here we are in front of the USCIS office in Wichita with Johanna's "Certificate of Citizenship." Johanna is wearing her "Little Miss USA" outfit.

FFF - Help Me!!!

2009-06-18T20:18:00.005-05:00

There is no theme for Favorite Foto Friday's for the month of June. We get to choose our own to go with our Favorite Foto of the week. I think you will understand my title once you see the pictures below, especially the second one.

How Much is that Puppy in the Window

2009-06-15T13:56:00.003-05:00

We started with five puppies and we have one more to sell. The other day I went outside to see what kind of trouble Johanna could be getting into and this is what I found.

This is the real puppy for sale. We really hope to sell him before we leave town on Friday. If not, he will have to go to the pet store while we are gone.

FFF - Favorite Foto of the Week

2009-05-21T20:55:00.002-05:00

This week's Favorite Foto Friday theme is to pick the favorite of the week. That wasn't difficult for me. My favorite was taken last Sunday before going to church. Johanna even cooperated and smiled.

FFF - Bloopers

2009-05-15T14:35:00.002-05:00

It's been awhile since I have posted a Favorite Foto Friday. This week Sarah chose the theme bloopers. I don't know if the picture below is actually a "blooper" but it is one I find amusing. I titled it, "Johanna has a ways to go before she grows into Mommy's shoes or other items."

Easter (cont.)

2009-05-07T20:12:00.004-05:00

I really tried not to overdo it on Johanna's Easter basket. Of course a basket just wouldn't be complete without some candies - Peeps (Grandma ate most), Robin Egg Jelly Beans (Mommy ate most), and a chocolate bunny. Johanna got her first piece of the bunny yesterday (May 6). She really isn't much of a candy eater. Not because she doesn't like it but because I don't give her much. We may have Easter candy until Halloween.
Sorry the pictures are all out of order. LOL

Easter

2009-04-30T10:47:00.009-05:00

Easter weekend was cool and rainy here. I did manage to get some pictures of Johanna in her dress the Saturday before Easter. It was cloudy and she didn't want to smile but below are the pictures.

Mommy, I have had enough of this picture-taking. Can we go in now??? I'm getting cold!!!

FFF - Unique

2009-03-27T10:08:00.002-05:00

About 15 years ago my former pastor and his wife went to Israel. I stayed with their two children. They brought me back this necklace with the Star of David and Cross. I wore it always, almost never taking it off. That was - until going to Guatemala to get Johanna. She would not leave it alone and I was afraid it would get broken. I took it off - and lost it. That was a year ago this week.

This morning Mom was dusting out her curio cabinet and guess what she found??? My necklace!!! It's back on now and hopefully I can teach Johanna to leave it alone.

Forever Family Day

2009-03-24T08:00:00.001-05:00

I think I am suppose to write some great "feely" words here today. However, I am so overcome with emotion that I'm sure I can't give this post justice. I just want to sit and hold my baby all day long. Sorry, but you'll have to wait until tomorrow for the real post on our FIRST Forever Family Day!!!

FFF - February Favorite

2009-03-06T07:55:00.003-06:00

This week's Favorite Foto Friday theme is "February Favorite." We have a little boy in our daycare who is a month older than Johanna. We have had him since he was six weeks old so he was here when Johanna came home. Jordan and Johanna are great buddies.

Owie!!

2009-03-04T13:31:00.002-06:00

Johanna is wearing shorts today since the weather is so nice. It is about 80 degrees outside. Downside, she got her first skinned knee. She didn't even know it and I don't know when or how it happened. I just saw it on her knee. After I pointed it out she started fussing about it but I told her it was okay. I washed it and put a band-aid on it. If my little girl is going to start getting owies, I am going to have to get some girly band-aids. She is wearing Diego right now.

FFF - Silly

2009-02-26T20:37:00.004-06:00

This week's Favorite Foto Friday theme is SILLY. Johanna is pretty silly sometimes but I don't get many pictures of those moments. Below are two pictures of her with some new clothes on. She is suppose to be posing for Mommy and showing off her new clothes. Instead I got SILLY.

Pass It On . . .

2009-02-18T20:00:00.000-06:00

My dear friend Kristi has this on her blog and I thought it sounded like so much fun. So this is how it works..... The first 3 people to leave a comment on this will receive a gift from me during this year. When and what will be a surprise. There's a small catch...You knew there would be didn't you? Post this on your blog then come back and leave a comment, telling me you're in. Fun, huh? Remember, only the first 3 comments receive the gift.

FFF - Love

2009-02-12T21:26:00.006-06:00

This week's Favorite Foto Friday theme is love. I decided to make mine "Love at first sight."

This is what I saw the first time I laid eyes on my Johanna. It was August 3, 2007 and it was "love at first sight."

The first time I saw Johanna in person was at the airport in Guatemala. It was "love at first sight" all over again.

Feeding Frenzy (Part II)

2009-02-07T16:21:00.002-06:00

I think I did a post on Johanna eating once before so this will be part two. We have five one year olds in our daycare that feed themselves. For some reason, Johanna is the only one that makes a huge mess. Perhaps it is because she enjoys eating so much (just like her Mommy.) Below are pictures of Johanna eating mashed potatoes.

Still Here!!

2009-01-26T20:35:00.003-06:00

I have had several people let me know that I haven't updated my blog in quite awhile. So, here are some pictures to let you all know we are still here. We got a new McDonalds in town last month and decided to go check it out when my nephew was in town with his family. Below are pictures of Johanna with her cousin Rachel and my nephew's boys Jacob, Ethan and Samuel.

FFF - Cold

2009-01-09T07:47:00.002-06:00

This weeks Favorite Foto Friday theme is "Cold." I already put on pictures of Johanna's first snow so today I will put on pictures of another cold day activity.

First Snow

2008-12-30T14:53:00.012-06:00

Christmas Eve we woke up to snow on the ground. It wasn't actually our first this winter but the first worth dressing and going out in. Some friends from church gave Johanna a wonderful snowsuit so out she went. She didn't know what to think of it at first but soon decided it wasn't going to hurt her.

Okay, I'm out here. I can't move so what do you want me to do now?

Hey! Where did Baby Jesus go?

Baby Jesus!! Are you in there??

I don't want to be an angel!!!

Hmmmmm . . . what do I do with this?

You want me to taste this,Mommy?

I don't think I like the taste.

Is there a polar bear in there??

I need to get this white stuff off of my mittens.

Get this off of me!!!

I've had enough of this stuff and I'm ready to go inside.

FFF - Favorite Foto Friday

2008-12-26T20:45:00.002-06:00

I'm a little late getting my Favorite Foto Friday post done. Below are two pictures of Johanna before church last Sunday morning. She is wearing a very special Christmas dress.

Here is my niece Xaviera wearing the same dress 13 years ago.

New Foster Sibling

2008-12-22T10:08:00.002-06:00

Johanna's foster family is expecting an addition to their family any day now. I am very excited for them but also know that this is a difficult time for them. They have four children ages 6-14 and that can be expensive, as we all know. The father works as a custodian in an apartment building, I think. They are a very nice family and took the best care of Johanna. I am so thankful for them.

I am going to send them some money to help with hospital costs of the new baby and delivery. However, with my addition of Johanna, I don't have a whole lot to spare. I am hoping to get some others to donate something to send to this wonderful family. I have a Paypal account at gails1107@cox.net If you would like to help, even just a little, please donate and leave me a comment letting me know you did.
Thanks!!

FFF - Santa Baby

2008-12-11T21:23:00.004-06:00

This week's Favorite Foto Friday theme is anything I like. I chose pictures I took of Johanna Sunday before church. I tried to get pictures of her sitting in front of the fireplace. Either I or my camera are too slow.

When God Speaks . . .

2008-12-04T13:38:00.005-06:00

It was two years ago today that God spoke to me about my baby girl. I am not one of those people who can put on the blog the Bible verse about Hannah praying for a child. Not that I didn't want to be a mother, I just didn't pray and ask God for a baby. I had looked into international and domestic adoption a little but nothing serious.

On this day in 2006 God told me I would be holding my own baby girl in church soon. I didn't really know if I could believe it so I answered back. "God, I'm not married!! I'm not even dating anyone!! How can I have a baby of my own????" God had a plan and it then hit me. I was to adopt. By the end of that year I had signed on with Little Miracles International Adoption Agency. When God gives the directions, it is best to waste no time.

I looked at Guatemala and felt and urge toward there but ultimately decided to go with Kazakhstan. I started getting the paperwork ready, did the home study and even started buying baby girl clothes. At one point my adoption coordinator thought Kaz wasn't going to work for me and suggested I switch to Guatemala. No. I was going to Kazakhstan. Then I started feeling very restless about my choice.

My dossier was complete and I was almost ready to hit the Kaz list when I KNEW that wasn't right. I quickly emailed my coordinator and asked if I could switch to Guatemala. Not a problem. Then I was at peace. This was the first of May.

August 3, 2007 I got the referral for a beautiful baby girl from Guatemala. Right away I knew she was my Johanna Faith!! Now as I look back, I know why God called me to adopt this wonderful baby. Johanna was born July 23, 2007. About Dec. 4, 2006 her birth mom may have realized she was expecting a precious baby or maybe she already knew but then made the decision to give her up. At that moment God spoke to me!!!!

Thanksgiving

2008-12-02T14:37:00.013-06:00

My mom, Johanna and I went to Topeka to my aunt and uncle's for Thanksgiving. We had a wonderful time!! Johanna was so good through all the running around, family, shopping, etc. She enjoyed playing with her cousins Levi and Sydney and helping her cousin Kyle practice being a daddy for his coming baby.
Enjoying Thanksgiving Dinner.

Ready for the after Thanksgiving Dinner walk.

Cousin Sydney helping Johanna take off her coat after the walk.

Playing blocks with Cousin Levi.

Johanna really likes her (my) Uncle Willard. She would climb right up on his lap with no problems. She even got him to read one of her favorite books.

Friday we went shopping at a mall in Kansas City. Johanna did great until I took her to see Santa Claus. She wanted no part of him so I have no picutres. She did however, enjoy the carousel for the most part.

Part way through the ride, she decided she wanted off.

By the end of the ride I was completely holding her.

Half and Half

2008-11-25T14:01:00.004-06:00

No, this post isn't about cream. It is about a significant moment in mine and Johanna's life together. Today marks the day when Johanna has spent half her life away from me and half her life with me. Johanna was 8 months and 1 day when I first held her in my arms.

Johanna has grown a bunch since coming home and has learned so much. I am amazed at how smart she is. She will try to say almost anything I ask her to say. She also knows about 12 animal sounds. She loves books and can't get enough of me reading to her. I don't think I really knew what it would be like to love someone as much as I love her. This motherhood thing is so awesome!!! I thank God daily for the big change He has made in my life through giving me Johanna.

Johanna Faith,

Your Mommy loves you so very much. I know I tell you this several times a day and I hope and pray you really understand it. You have had such a positive impact on my life and the lives of others around us. I pray that you will grow to be a mighty woman of God and fulfil whatever God has in store for your future.

FFF - For Crying Out Loud

2008-11-20T22:45:00.005-06:00

This weeks Favorite Foto Friday theme is "Crying Out Loud." I don't have many pictures of Johanna crying but not because she doesn't do her share. Be sure to look at yesterday's post, if you haven't already, to see the much happier Johanna.

Now, this is really "crying out loud." Grandma and Mommy were trying to get Johanna to show her latest feat, climbing onto the couch. Johanna wanted no part of it and let us know.

Happy Girl

2008-11-20T18:12:00.004-06:00

Before tomorrow's Favorite Foto Friday I want you all to see that Johanna really is very happy. Not that I think you would think otherwise. LOL

Entertainment

2008-11-10T15:21:00.005-06:00

Saturday morning I was cleaning the bathroom. Johanna needed something to entertain herself while Mommy cleaned. She helped herself to the t.p.

FFF - Favorite Family Foto

2008-11-07T06:56:00.005-06:00

This weeks Favorite Foto Friday theme is Favorite Family Foto. I don't have very many of Johanna and I together but below are two of my favorites. These pictures are from my pick-up trip. I am giving Johanna a bottle for the first time. I love looking back at these pictures. She was so little and cuddley. I can't believe how much she has grown!!!

Trick-or-Treat!!

2008-11-01T13:47:00.007-05:00

My little pink poodle is ready to go trick-or-treating. We just went to a local nursing home and a cousin's house.

Trick-or-treating at one of the nursing homes. I forgot Johanna's pumpkin so a nurse gave us a bag to put the candy in.

This is what happened to Johanna's first pumpkin. The squirrels loved it!!!

This is my niece Brooklen. Her grandmother (not my mother) made her a flapper dress for Halloween. It is so cute!! Brooklen is 11 years old and is Johanna's closest first cousin in age.

Swimming!!

2008-10-20T12:07:00.004-05:00

Johanna and I started a parent/tot water class at the YMCA last week. We are the only ones in the class. Johanna did very well. She loved the splashing and even did some kicking. I was really surprised when she put her mouth in the water and blew bubbles too.
Meeting the instructor, Angie.

We moved to the other side of the pool for a minute so Grandma could get a closer picture. Johanna didn't want to kick on that side though.

FFF - Friends

2008-10-16T20:08:00.003-05:00

This weeks Favorite Foto Friday theme is Friends. Johanna is so blessed to have 8-10 friends come over every week day. Below are two pictures taken this week of Johanna with some of her friends.

Laying in Ryan's lap and watching t.v.

Pushing Jordan on the scooter. They are great friends and this is one of their favorite activites.

FFF - Octoberfest

2008-10-10T10:35:00.004-05:00

This weeks "Favorite Foto Friday" theme is "OCTOBERFEST". I had to take Johanna out for a photo shoot just for this post.
If you would like to see more FFF posts, visit Sarah's blog at
www.kissthefrog4me.blogspot.com (If someone can tell me how to add the link to my blog, I will greatly appreciate it.)

Six Months!!

2008-09-23T21:08:00.005-05:00

Six months ago I walked off a plane and out of the airport. Upon exiting the terminal building I was surprised by a most beautiful site. Below is what I saw.

Yes, it has been six months now that I have had Johanna in my arms. I am still amazed at how wonderful my life is with her in it. I am amazed that God would choose me to be her mother.

Trying New Things

2008-09-21T21:11:00.011-05:00

Johanna has had an eventful week. On Tuesday she got in her two top molars. I didn't even know she was cutting them. Teething doesn't seem to bother her too much. Thursday she was "signed off" by the early childhood specialist team. They think she is doing great and will continue to develop on target. I have also posted some photos of some of the new things Johanna has done this week.

Here Johanna is reading the single parent supplement for the "Growing Kids God's Way" class I am taking. I sure hope she learns a lot from it!! LOL

I gave Johanna a fork for the first time. I would stick it in the food but she got it to her mouth very well. I actually think she did better with it than she does with a spoon. She still prefers the fingers however.

I bought Johanna two doll bottles on Saturday. She almost knew what to do with them. She kept wanting to feed the dolly in the eye so I would move the bottle to the mouth. She even tried using both bottles at once. I have no idea where she got that idea from!!

Wordless Wednesday - Getting Ready

2008-09-17T13:51:00.003-05:00

FFF

2008-09-12T08:59:00.004-05:00

My FFF photo is the one I posted in the previous post. Wednesday afternoon I walked down the hall to get Johanna out of the guest room where she shouldn't be. I found her trying to stand up. This is as high as she got several time.

She has since taken a few steps but nothing serious yet. I'm not sure if I am ready for her walking yet or not.

The Cheese Stands Alone

2008-09-10T16:49:00.003-05:00

Okay, not the Cheese but the Princess. I went down the hall to get Johanna out of the guestroom. This is what I found her doing.

Beautiful Baby - I know!!

2008-09-08T11:57:00.003-05:00

I received this email just awhile ago. Read through to the bottom and I will fill you in.

Your Baby's Photo Has Been Selected To Be Included In Our Book!

RE: Your Recent Baby Photo Submission

Dear Gail,

Congratulations! After thoroughly reviewing and discussing your baby's photo that was entered in the Great American Photo Contest, our Selection Committee has chosen your baby to be featured in the beautiful hardbound 2008 Edition of America's Most Beautiful Babies!

Gail, with your permission, we'd like to celebrate your baby's tender photogenic qualities and the priceless moment you captured by featuring your baby in what promises to be the most beautiful collection of baby photographs ever published . . .

America's Most Beautiful Babies 2008
Library of Congress 0-7951-5315-5

This wonderful book, America's Most Beautiful Babies, is scheduled for publication in the Fall of 2008. From the thousands of baby photographs we receive, there will be less than 1,500 chosen for publication. It is certain to be a moving photo collection highlighting the most important person in the world . . . your child! We believe your baby's photo in America's Most Beautiful Babies will be an adorable and inspiring addition that will add immensely to the esteem and appeal of this special coffee-table book. Go here for more information.

Gail, your baby's photo will be presented in the most thoughtful way possible. Every aspect of publication and design will convey the quality craftsmanship and attention to detail that will go into the production of this special oversized edition. Your baby's photo will be published on fine-milled, acid-free paper that's been specifically selected to last for generations, and quality typography will be displayed throughout.

There is NO obligation to have your baby's photo
included in this edition . . .

Gail, your baby's photo was selected for publication because of your child's beauty and their unique appeal, and we believe your photo of them will add to the importance and distinction of this book. However, you are under no obligation to have your baby's photo included.

Of course, many people do wish to have their baby's photo included and to own a copy of the book in which they appear. If this is the case, we welcome your reply and guarantee your satisfaction!

This finely-crafted volume will make a handsome addition to any home, a treasured family keepsake, and a highly-valued personal gift. Most importantly, your child can take pride in the fact that their picture was published in this historic national collection. Go here for a special discount if you'd like to have a personal copy of America's Most Beautiful Babies.

Here's how to include your baby and get
your own discounted copy . . .

To have your baby's photo included in this first-run 2008 edition, go here. Let me assure you, your baby's photo remains your property and America's Most Beautiful Babies is copyrighted as a compilation. The copyright notice for your photo is published in your name. This means you have the full copyright to your own photo.

Also, Gail, you can include some personal information about yourself, your photo, or your baby. Many readers have told us that one of the most interesting and enjoyable parts of the book is learning about the babies and the stories behind their photos. Many people write about their children, including stories about their unique personalities and interests. This gives the reader an added perspective about your baby. Remember, this unique book will be seen by thousands of people around the world! Although there is a nominal set-up fee for this extra service, there is no obligation to include this information. Your baby's photo can be published without it. Go here for order information.

In the meantime, our design department has already begun working on a distinctive layout for the baby photos selected for this wonderful book. Remember that you must reply within the next 10 days for publication.

Again, congratulations, Gail! You should feel proud knowing you have one of the cutest babies in America today, and we would love to include their photo in this special keepsake book! Only 2,000 of these limited edition books will be printed. So act fast to make sure you get your edition.

Sincerely,

Jeffrey Bryan
Managing Editor

P.S. Gail, you should be genuinely proud of your photo and your baby! Of the thousands of photographs we see each year, only a fraction are good enough to be published. I hope you are pleased that America's Most Beautiful Babies will allow your baby's light to shine for everyone to see! Plus, we are so confident that you will love both the quality of the edition and the way your photo is presented, we offer an unconditional money-back guarantee. If for any reason you are not 100% satisfied, your money will be promptly refunded, no questions asked.

I clicked on the link. It went to a place to pay $70 for a book. I KNOW Johanna is beautiful!! I don't need that book to confirm it.

Wordless Wednesday - New BC

2008-09-03T18:33:00.001-05:00

Johanna's Got Talent & New BC

2008-08-31T16:31:00.003-05:00

I cannot believe what a talented daughter I have! I am going to share some of Johanna's talent with you. On the video below you will see her (somewhat) balance a ball on her nose, dance, bark like a dog and meow like a cat. I am thinking about having her try out for the show "America's Got Talent." Let me know what you think.

Johanna got her new birth certificate in the mail yesterday from the state of Kansas. This has her "changed name" - Johanna Faith Lucia and my last name. She seems very pleased to have this in her posession.

Toady the Frog

2008-08-28T14:15:00.002-05:00

This is a really cute book you all need to get. It is the first in a series of books to come.
Toady is a frog who doesn't really like his name until his mother explains how special he is and his name is. The books to follow will all be about Toady and things that children go through. I am hoping there will be one about adoption soon. (I have influence with the author.)
This book can be bought at barnesandnoble.com, target.com and biggerbooks.com
You can also download the readings for these books.

FFF- Friends with Stuffing

2008-08-22T09:18:00.005-05:00

This week's Favorite Foto Friday theme is "Friends with Stuffing." I just put Johanna down for her morning nap and was able to get a picture of her with her three favorites. The Gymboree kitty I sent to her in Guatemala. Her foster mom said she slept with it every night so I have kept it in her bed. (This isn't her normal bed.) The lamb sings "Jesus loves me" and I got it for her while waiting. Her very favorite is the musical light up Glow-worm. She got it as a shower gift.

If you would like to see more "Favorite Foto Friday" pictures, go to
www.kissthefrog4me.blogspot.com

Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-20T10:55:00.002-05:00

Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-13T14:59:00.003-05:00

Great-nephew Shane & Johanna

Bloggers "RE-union 09"

2008-08-10T15:11:00.006-05:00

Two blogger friends are in the early stages of planning a get-together for bloggers who have adopted or are in the process of adopting. So far there are over 50 families interested in going. Wouldn't it be great to actually meet the people you have read about online? Johanna and I are definately going, God willing. I am excited already. Below is the link to the OFFICIAL "RE-union 09" blog. Please go take a look.

www.re-union09.blogspot.com

FFF - Having a Ball

2008-08-08T12:41:00.006-05:00

I don't have any pictures of Johanna with any balls yet so I am putting up pictures of Johanna "Having a Ball" at the county fair.

The pigs were safely behind the fence, safe for Johanna, that is.

The goat decided to show Johanna what he could do.

This horse suddenly stuck his nose way out through the fence and sent Johanna into hysterics. It was pretty sad.

Johanna on her first tractor, a John Deere, of course.

Thankful Thursday

2008-08-07T13:53:00.003-05:00

I got this idea and symbol from Stacy, Isabella's mom. I think it is a great idea and something I need to do more often, list the things I am thankful for. I will try to do 5 each week.

1. Johanna Faith, my precious baby girl
2. My mom who is also my best friend, co-worker, and housemate
3. The cool day today - high about 80
4. My church and church family - cornerstonepeople.org
5. My blog friends

Wordless Wednesday

2008-08-06T11:27:00.001-05:00

Brilliant Weblog - Tag

2008-08-04T15:30:00.004-05:00

I was tagged by Ellie for the "Brilliant Weblog Premio" award. I have to answer the following questions about myself and tag seven other friends.
A. Attached or single? Single
B. Best friend? My mom; Johanna's only grandparent
C. Cake or pie? Neither. I prefer something salty
D. Day of choice? Saturday
E. Essential item? Laptop
F. Favorite color? Pink
G. Gummy bears or worms? Gummy bears
H. Hometown? Garden City, KS
I. Indulgence? Sunflower seeds
J. January or July? January
K. Kids? 1
L. Life isn’t complete without? God, my daughter
M. Marriage date? to be announced, maybe
N. Number of brothers & sisters? 3 older sisters, 1 younger brother
O. Oranges or apples? oranges
P. Phobias? heights
Q. Quotes? For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord . . . Jer. 29:11
R. Reasons to smile? Johanna Faith, Watching "Wipeout"
S. Season of choice? Fall
T. Tag seven peeps! (see below)
U. Unknown fact about me? don't know
V. Vegetable? corn
W. Worst habits? biting my fingernails
X X-ray or ultrasound? whatever is needed
Y. Your favorite food? Mexican
Z. Zodiac sign? Capricorn

I am tagging these seven blog friends:
1. Carrie - Mary Sofia's Mommy
2. Stacie - Allie's Mommy
3. Jane - Cara's Mommy
4. Dottie - Kylie's Mommy
5. Kerri - Medina & Ruby's Mommy
6. Becky - Tabitha's Mommy
7. Carol - Selena's Mommy

One Year Ago Today

2008-08-03T07:20:00.005-05:00

It was one year ago today that I received my referral for Johanna. I can still remember the phone call from my agency coordinator. I can still remember the moment I first saw my baby girl. I still remember the emotions I felt at the moment and the happy tears that were shed. It has been such a wonderful year since and I know there are many more wonderful years to come.

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

FFF - Crazy Hair

2008-08-01T08:02:00.003-05:00

For today's Favorite Foto Friday Johanna is going to show all those with crazy hair how to tame it.

While taking this video I realized the water was going a little deep. I scooted Johanna back and turned the water off. Johanna didn't like that at all and proceeded to throw a fit, pitching herself forward. She forgot she was in the tub. I quickly pulled her face up out of the water. I wish I had gotten a picture of the startled look on her face. The next day when she threw her fit, she stayed vertical. Guess she is a quick learner.

FFF - Friends

2008-07-25T10:07:00.002-05:00

This weeks "Favorite Foto Friday" theme is FRIENDS. I thought this would be a good time to show Johanna with her newest friend. She decided on this friend about two weeks ago. She sleeps with this friend every night. She even shares the friend with me.

Johanna's First Birthday

2008-07-24T11:32:00.003-05:00

Yesterday was Johanna's 1st birthday. We had about 20 friends and family over for a party. We had cake and ice cream, opened gifts, and had a pull-string pinata. I think Johanna had a great time.
Today we will a have smaller party with just the daycare kids in attendance. I will post pictures of it tomorrow.

Johanna did not understand why 20 people were standing around singing to her while she sat on the table. I love the look on her face!!

Eating cake. Johanna dug right in. When the frosting lifted off the cake in one piece, Johanna went right for the frosting.

Opening presents with friend Brynn.

Mommy got Johanna her first car for her first birthday. Hope she doesn't expect one when she turns 16.
Friends Desiree and Abigail push Johanna.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-07-23T08:37:00.002-05:00

Movie Time!!

2008-07-22T16:08:00.006-05:00

Our church "Mommy's Group" had a movie day. Johanna has never been to a movie but I decided to give it a try. If Johanna is going to get out-of-hand it might as well be during a kids' movie, right? The movie was "Charlotte's Web" with Dakota Fanning, not the animated version. Johanna was mesmerized from the moment the lights went out. She did so well. About 10 minutes before the movie was over she started getting fussy and babbling but nothing really loud. We may go again next week and take the daycare kids too.
Mommy and Johanna on their way to the theater.

I don't want to sit in this big chair alone!!!

Drinking from Mommy's Diet Coke.

In other news: Johanna has "Hit the bigtime!" as my agency coordinator said. She is now on our agency website. You can see it at http://www.littlemiracles.org/index.php?page=ourmiracles

FFF - First Time Ever I Saw Your Face

2008-07-18T10:22:00.005-05:00

This is the very first picture I saw of Johanna. She is nine days old in this picture. I got her referral at 11 days. I cannot believe she will be 1 year old in FIVE DAYS!!!!

Getting Down and Dirty

2008-07-17T10:43:00.002-05:00

Johanna loves to go outside when the daycare kids do. Usually I put her in a walker or swing. Sometimes I let her sit in the grass in front of me. Today I got more adventurous and let her crawl across the yard and to the sand. She liked it a lot, especially letting the sand run through her fingers. The hard part was keeping things out of her mouth.

Round and Round She Goes

2008-07-14T13:21:00.003-05:00

I got this little roller coaster from ebay a few years ago. Last weekend I pulled it out of storage and Johanna loves it.

FFF - Red, White and Blue

2008-07-11T08:47:00.003-05:00

This weeks "Favorite Foto Friday" theme is "Red, White and Blue." This picture is of Johanna waiting to go to our church's annual "Hoe Down" the Sunday before 4th of July.

4th of July

2008-07-10T13:56:00.006-05:00

I think Johanna had a very nice 4th of July. At least I did. My nephew from Wichita came to town with his wife and three little boys. (I love visiting with them because their youngest is just older than Johanna and I can get lots of advice and information.) Aside from cleaning after the three floods in one week in the basement we had family dinners and fireworks. We went to the fairgrounds to watch the city fireworks too.

Below are pictures of Johanna in ONE of her FOUR 4th of July outfits. This is the first time she rode the little train and she loved it.

Before the city fireworks started Johanna was having a wonderful time sitting in her stroller and visiting with family.

The picture below is after the first firework went off. She didn't really like them and we ended up watching them from the van.

Wordless Wednesday

2008-07-09T09:38:00.001-05:00

First Real Haircut

2008-07-03T15:48:00.005-05:00

Johanna got her first real haircut on Saturday. I had trimmed it once before but she needed it evened up and layered. The back had finally filled in over the bald spot and the front, top and sides needed to be cut even with the back.

I was going to get my haircut too. We waited almost an hour and a half for haircuts. Johanna got her's cut at the same time I did. My mom held her while my niece Xaviera took pictures. She did wonderfully!!

Final look

Wordless Wednesday

2008-07-02T17:32:00.005-05:00

Driving to Minneapolis

2008-06-28T13:31:00.002-05:00

We left for vacation Thursday after the daycare children left. We drove to Wichita and stayed at my nephew's house. Friday morning my niece, Xaviera, came up from Arkansas City to go on vacation with us.
Friday we stopped in Bethany, MO to have supper and it is a good thing we did. When we came back to the car we had a flat tire. We were very fortunate to find someone at 6:00 to put the spare on and put on two new front tires. He told us our back ones need to be replaced too so we will get that done soon.

Once we entered Iowa guess what happened? Yes, it started to rain. It rained so hard and the drops were so big that it sounded like hail on the car. We spent the night in Des Moines and got to Minneapolis the next afternoon.

Driving home through Iowa on Thursday it rained the whole time. Those poor people!! No wonder that state is flooded.

Sunday on Vacation

2008-06-28T13:23:00.005-05:00

Sunday after church we went to the horse races. Johanna liked going up to the track to see the horses up close. She learned to point while there. I'll try to get a picture of it sometime. It was family day at the track so there was a small petting zoo. Johanna did fine petting the first animal, a miniature donkey, but wanted nothing to do with the others.
On Monday we just went shopping so there are no pictures from that day.

Tuesday on Vacation

2008-06-28T13:15:00.004-05:00

This day we went to an arboretum. Johanna loved riding around in her stroller and working on her tan.

2008-06-28T13:15:00.001-05:00

Wednesday of Vacation

2008-06-28T12:56:00.006-05:00

Wednesday we went to the Mall of America. Johanna had her first ride on a carousel. I rode a mild roller coaster with my niece but didn't like it. I also rode the log ride twice. Those are my favorites.
Posing with statues.

First ride on a carousel. I thought Johanna was going to go to sleep.

Meeting Pablo from The Backyardigans. Johanna didn't like him very well.

Going on Vacation!!!

2008-06-19T13:06:00.002-05:00

YIPPEE!!
Tomorrow we are leaving to see my sister and brother-in-law in Minneapolis, Minnesota. We will take two days to drive there since I'm not sure how long Johanna will be able to ride in one day. I will try to take pictures and post while we are gone.

Most of you are probably already aware of this but it is new to me. I can't believe how much more it takes to travel with a baby. We each have one suitcase. Johanna also has a box with diapers (nights and days) and wipes, a bag with food supplies, a bag with toys, stroller, pac-n-play, and a booster seat. Good thing we have a mini van.

Johanna Faith Lucia for real

2008-06-18T17:09:00.003-05:00

This morning Johanna and I were scheduled for a hearing before Judge Sanders for her legal name change. My sister Brenda was going with us so we were going to pick her up at her husband's new coffee shop. As Johanna and I were walking the sidewalk to the coffee shop a nicely dressed gentleman came out. He stopped to say hi to Johanna and asked if she was going to get some coffee. I told him we were going to court. The gentleman asked what for and I told him a name change. He replied, "Oh, you will be before me." Yes, it was Judge Sanders. We talked for a few minutes and I told him about the adoption.

The "hearing" was really nothing. Judge Sanders called us to a small table and read through the paper I had filled out. He also looked at Ana Lucia's birth certificate from Guatemala and checked for my name. I had to write out Johanna's full name for him. He wanted to make sure he wrote it correctly so we "won't have to do it again."

When we were finished Judge Sanders said he wanted to show us something in the hall. I couldn't imagine what is could be. He pulled a rubber duck from his pocket for Johanna. He said he hadn't brought enough for everyone and there were two other children in the court room.

That was it. I really wanted something formal and ceremonial. Oh well. Johanna fell asleep on the way home . . . with the duck.

Going to the Chapel

2008-06-17T16:08:00.003-05:00

Johanna attended her first wedding ceremony on Saturday. She didn't actually make it through the very short ceremony so I didn't either. She got to wear a beautiful dress we got from a friend at church and shoes to match that came from the groom's mother. After I got her dressed I had to explain to her that she wasn't going to be the bride.

Bumpity Bump

2008-06-12T20:26:00.003-05:00

After lunch today I was in the kitchen making Johanna a bottle. She was playing with her toys in the dining room. Or so I thought. As I came through the kitchen gate I could hear her crying. I called to her and told her I had her bottle. The crying sounded far away so I thought she had crawled down the hall to the playroom. I then noticed the sliding door to the patio was standing open. (The daycare kids had all gone outside.) I rushed to the door and there was Johanna. Down the two steps, sitting up and crying. I picked her up and noticed the bump on her forward.

She didn't like me putting the frozen sponge on it at all. She wanted to play with the sponge. She finally quit crying but I didn't. I felt so awful!! I guess I should realize that she is going to get bumps and bruises and she will live through them. However, I did show her bump to the daycare kids and told them to BE SURE TO CLOSE THE BACK DOOR!!!!!!!

In her stroller and ready to walk to Aunt Brenda's. I added this picture from this evening to show that she is just fine.

Little Mermaid

2008-06-07T16:59:00.003-05:00

My laptop is still in "the shop." Some part has to be ordered for it and then installed. I don't know a lot about it but I trust my brother-in-law. So, I finally broke down and bought a USB port so I can plug the card reader into the downstairs desktop computer. Now you will get to see pictures of Johanna again!! Aren't you lucky?
I bought her a tiny wading pool last weekend. It has been in the living room and she has been crawling in and out of it. Today I filled it and she got to play in the water. She loved it! She can really splash big time too. Then she discovered she could crawl out and explore the ground outside, including putting grass and/or leaves in her mouth. It was time to get out.

Bye-bye

2008-05-29T15:31:00.003-05:00

Johanna sort of started waving "bye-bye" a couple of weeks ago but of course, won't do it when I try to show someone. Today we went to the pediatrician's office to have Johanna's tb test checked. When we were leaving past the check-in ladies at the front desk one of the said, "bye-bye." Without any prompting, Johanna picked up her arm and started waving.

We are hopefully through with the dr.s office now until Johanna's 1 year check up and more shots. She screamed today while just having the nurse look at her arm.

Some great news . . . some friends of mine, here in my hometown, got their son's birth certificate finally!! They have been out of PGN for about seven weeks. There son is close to 18 months now. It was really difficult for me to share my joy with them while they were still waiting so long. I am so happy for Mike, Glenda, Levi (also from Guatemala), and Caleb. Caleb should be home sometime next month!!!!

MMMMMMMMMmmmmmmmm

2008-05-25T22:22:00.001-05:00

Johanna has started making the "M" sound. She sometimes says "mamamamama" but doesn't say it to me yet. I know she will get it soon.

She saw her new pediatrician on Friday and we found out that what she had was hand, foot and mouth. Yes, even in her throat. Poor thing!! She has gotten over that but now has a cold. At least she can still eat with a cold.

My laptop is in the shop but as soon as I get it back I will post new pictures of my little princess.

ER X 2

2008-05-21T13:39:00.003-05:00

2 . . . that is the number of times we were at the ER this week. Sunday Johanna took three naps. I think they totaled about 6 hours. She was also very clingy and wanted to be held all the time. Then she started crying. A LOT!! She had just cut another tooth on the bottom but I thought her behavior was still very odd. By evening I was very concerned because she would cough and then cry like it really hurt. Off to the ER we went. We had a child in daycare earlier that was diagnosed with strep throat and one with hand, foot and mouth. I was not taking any chances.

The ER wasn't busy and we were out in about an hour. That is VERY unusual for our ER. The dr. said Johanna seemed to have a little bronchitis and prescribed Zythomax. This was found after the chest x-ray which is the absolute worst thing I have ever seen!! I cried almost as much as Johanna during it.

Monday Johanna woke up with a wet diaper. Later she had a poopy one. That was it for the day. She wouldn't eat or drink. She wanted nothing in her mouth. She had a couple of tiny blisters in her mouth and then broke out in red spots on her legs, stomach, back and bottom. I finally made a call to the hospital to have the on-call ped call me. He said that if she hadn't had a wet diaper all day I needed to get her to the ER. Back we went.

This time they were busy. A different dr. was there this one moved much quicker than the dr. the previous night. We were there just over two hours. Johanna was not dehydrated but now had blisters in her throat. What do we do for that? Put Benedryl on a q-tip and put it on the blisters. Not and easy task.

Today is Wednesday and she seems to be doing much better. She has taken a bottle eaten some food and drank some Pedialyte. I am praying this is the last time she is sick until she can talk.

Girl On The Go

2008-05-16T08:42:00.006-05:00

Johanna started "crawling" a week ago Wednesday. It isn't exactly crawling but she is on the move. She has one leg under her body and pushes with one foot. She is much happier now that she can get somewhere. Now if I could just get her to roll over.

Sorry Blogland Friends

2008-05-15T08:45:00.004-05:00

Guess what I found yesterday?? I had over 40 comments that I had to approve to be on my blog. LOL I thought they would be emailed to me. A few were but most were still sitting in "limbo" waiting for my approval. Well, I finally got them read and approved. Thanks for all the wonderful comments. I'll be sure to check it daily now that I know how to do it.

Johanna's BFF

2008-05-14T09:39:00.006-05:00

The night of Johanna's baby shower we found out Brynn and her Mommy and Daddy are moving to our town. I don't know about Johanna, but I am pretty excited. I am already praying about Johanna's future friends and I want her to have friends from Christian families. Brynn is also adopted only she just came from Florida. Actually it is almost as far as Guatemala from here. Below are some pictures of Johanna and Brynn "playing" the night of the shower. I wish I could have video so you could hear Brynn's mommy Melany laughing through all this.

Hey Brynn!! Are you teething? Let me help.

Okay. If you don't want it in the mouth, how about the eye?

Let me try the mouth one more time.

Hello? Brynn? Are you in there? Open up!!

Hey Johanna! Where did you go?

Okay, we'll both play with our own toys.

Finally . . . Shower Pictures

2008-05-05T11:04:00.016-05:00

I am finally getting pictures of Thursday night's babay shower on. YIPPEE!!! It has been a busy weekend with another shower Saturday night. I don't have pictures from that one. Johanna also got many gifts at church Sunday and a huge bag of awesome clothes that a friend's daughter had outgrown. I won't have to buy clothes for Johanna at all this summer.

Johanna and I were both surprised to have Brynn and her Mommy Melany at the shower.
It was a very pleasant surprise!!

Host Roz - She is the mother of Cooper.

Roz and Cooper

Host Jenny - She is the mother of Kaya and Addyson.

Kaya bringing a gift from the table to be opened

Johanna and I opening gifts

At the end of the evening Johanna had to have a bottle before heading home.
Addyson and Kaya helped feed her. No, she doesn't usually lay on her back while eating.

FFF

2008-05-02T14:51:00.003-05:00

You're going to have to wait until tomorrow to see the pictures of our shower last night. I am going to use just one photo today for Favorite Foto Friday. This picture is of Johanna with two friends Addyson and Kaya. Their mom, Jenny was one of the hosts for the shower. Addyson and Kaya have both been in our daycare since they were tiny babies. They are like family now.

Showers

2008-05-01T12:50:00.002-05:00

Tonight is the first of two showers Johanna and I are having. I am soooooooo excited!!! At my age I thought I would never go through this but . . . it's my turn!!! I will post pictures tomorrow. The other shower is Saturday evening.

Just a little while ago one of my daycare girls told me I was going to have to teach Johanna how to be a flower girl. I asked her if she was getting married so Johanna could be in her wedding. Kaya answered, "No. She will be in your wedding." Hmmmm!! Does she know something I don't? Is she speaking prophetically? Hmmmm.

She Did It!!

2008-04-30T14:47:00.003-05:00

I put Johanna in her crib for a nap this afternoon. She has been asleep now for almost 2 hours. I am so proud of how well she is doing. She will still sleep in my room at night for awhile.

She looks so tiny in this big bed. Yes, I need to get a cover for the outlet behind the crib. She's far from it.

My sleeping Princess!

I Tried

2008-04-29T20:15:00.004-05:00

I finally got the mattress lowered on Johanna's crib today. I just took her downstairs and sat her in the crib. She looked so tiny in that thing!!! She smiled and looked around. She seemed to like it. I decided I would go ahead and see if she would sleep in there. I got her blankets from my room, laid her down and covered her. Of course she cried. She always does when I put her in bed.
NOPE! I couldn't do it. The night is too long and the nursery is at the other end of the basement from my room. We'll give it a try tomorrow during naptime.
"I'm a wimp," I told Johanna as I carried her to my room.

Big Bawl Baby

2008-04-24T16:50:00.004-05:00

No, this post isn't about Johanna. It's actually about her mommy. It was one month ago today that I held Johanna for the first time. That's some background for this post.

Today I took Johanna and some of the daycare kids to the library for Wee Readers. The theme was "People All Over the World" or something like that. We sang a few songs in Spanish and I thought that was neat. During one of the songs the children get to play little instruments. Johanna was playing a tiny maraca. The song was "It's a Small World." I just couldn't handle it. I started bawling!!! On the way home I had to explain to my daycare children that they were HAPPY TEARS.

First One at Home

2008-04-23T09:52:00.003-05:00

Today is Johanna's first "month" birthday at home. She is 9 months old. I held her in my arms for the very first time one month ago tomorrow. It has gone so quickly.

I can't believe how different she is from the baby I got a month ago. She had 3 teeth then and now has 5 and is working on another. She sits alone very well and plays on the floor for quite awhile all by herself. She is scooting on her tummy but only backwards still. She has gained about 1 pound.

I love her more every day and sometimes still can't believe she is actually here. She is a good baby and so precious.

Johanna's Friend

2008-04-21T20:18:00.005-05:00

Johanna finally got meet Brynn. Brynn is the adopted daughter of some friends of mine. They live a few hours away but have family (also friends) who live in my town. I was so excited for Johanna and Brynn to finally meet each other. Below are pictures of them playing in the church nursery.

First Photo Session

2008-04-19T14:39:00.006-05:00

Johanna had her first "real" photo session today. She did awesome!!! She wore her little dress from Guatemala and looked so adorable. I can hardly wait to get the pictures but in the meantime I have them on cd.

First Dr. Appointment

2008-04-17T16:05:00.007-05:00

Yesterday Johanna had her first dr. appointment since being home. She was so good. I sure hope that continues. She laid on the table very still while the nurse took her vitals. The nurse said she had never had a baby lay that well.

Dr. Stewart peeked in to say hi and and told Johanna how cute she is. I reminded the good doctor that she was suppose to be talking in Spanish to my baby. (She had told me previously that she would teach Johanna Spanish.) She then started talking in Spanish and Johanna got so excited.

We sat in the little room for quite awhile before the dr. came back - no surprise, huh? Johanna was very good during the wait. She also did well while the dr. checked her out. Dr. Stewart said she is very healthy and doing well developmentally.

Then we were off to the lab. I really think I got the best baby Guatemala had. She didn't even flinch when her tiny finger was stuck. She absolutely loved the Winnie the Pooh band-aid.

Getting vitals checked by the nurse

Checking Johanna's temperature

Being "cheesey" for Mama

Getting checked over by the doc

Nice Weather & Haircut

2008-04-16T09:52:00.006-05:00

We have finally had some nice weather. Monday it got to about 80 degrees and Tuesday about 90. Johanna loved finally being outside. However, the temps are heading back down so we probably won't get out again until next week.

I also cut Johanna's hair. It sort of looks like I put a bowl on her head and cut around it. I didn't though. I love the haircut and think she looks adorable.
I like this new toy and the outdoors.

Hello to my fans!

Mommy, I have had enough of the great outdoors!

Sitting Pretty

Big Weekend

2008-04-14T10:41:00.006-05:00

Johanna had her first road-trip last weekend. One of my uncles was celebrating his 90th birthday in Washington, Kansas. We left Friday after daycare and drove to Salina. Saturday morning Johanna got to meet her cousin Felix, his wife Teela and their boys 3 year old Isaac and 18 months old Josiah. Johanna and Josiah really hit it off. We had lunch at Pizza Hut and Johanna LOVES pizza. That afternoon we drove on to Washington. There Johanna meet lots more cousins. Sunday was Uncle Sherman's party. Johanna did very well there and really liked her Great Uncle Virgil. She also got to meet a distant cousin, 16 month old Macy. Sorry I didn't take very many pictures.
Having my morning bottle with Grandma

Ready to go meet cousin Felix and his family

Great Uncle Virgil and Great Aunt Yvonne

First Time Wee Readers

2008-04-10T15:55:00.006-05:00

Johanna had her first trip to Wee Readers at the library today. She liked some of it and got fussy sometimes. She liked looking at the book before starting. She mostly liked the song when she got to play the maraca. Four of her daycare friends got to go too. Cole, Kaya, and Addyson are in the pictures but Nathaniel got cut off.

Granny K.'s Gift - Gonna Be a Fan

2008-04-09T17:33:00.002-05:00

I would like to apologize to my blog friend Tami but Johanna is going to have to be a Jayhawk fan. My friend Karen came by today with gifts. She is going to be Johanna's "Granny K." Take a look at what she brought for Johanna.
ROCK CHALK JAYHAWKS!!!!!!!!!!!

Rock Chalk Jayhawk!!!

2008-04-08T10:41:00.002-05:00

That was some game last night! Johanna went to bed at 7:30 so she missed the whole thing. That's okay though. She's going to be a Jayhawk fan anyway.

Cousins!!

2008-04-07T15:31:00.003-05:00

My nephew Heath and his wife Jenny came to town this weekend from Wichita. They brought their three boys - Jacob 5, Ethan 4, and Samuel 10 months. Heath is actually Johanna's oldest first-cousin but Samuel is closer in age, being about six weeks older than Johanna. I don't know why I didn't get pictures of the other boys but here are some of Johanna and Samuel. My sister Brenda is also in one of the pictures. She is Samuel's grandma and Johanna's aunt.

Living in a Daycare

2008-04-05T15:11:00.012-05:00

Johanna loves living in a daycare home. There are lots of toys to play with and lots of kids. I do however, think her favorite time is evening when all the kids go home and she has Mommy and Grandma to herself.

This is from today's local newspaper.

Who's Your Mama?

2008-04-04T10:15:00.001-05:00

Johanna does know who her Mama is. She loves Grandma too but if Grandma is holding her and I talk or she sees me, she wants me. It is so wonderful!!
BUT . . . I have a friend whose little girl is in our daycare. This friend is hispanic and Johanna ADORES her!! Monday Adel held Johanna and talked in Spanish to her. I am very happy there is someone who can do this with her. Wednesday Adel held her again. When she handed her back to me and left, Johanna cried. She kept pushing away from me and looking toward the door for Adel. At first I was a little bothered by it. I'm not any more. Yesterday she did fine when Adel left. I understand that there is that attachment to her earlier life and I am glad that there is someone who can give Johanna a sense of that.

Adel and Johanna