Independence Day 2012

Little Miss celebrated her first Independence Day with the same joy and excitement she finds in each new day.  Although she did not understand the significance of this special day, one day she certainly will.  This year she can remember it as All You Can Eat Watermelon Day!  I think she ate her weight in watermelon.  She kept her eye on the cooler.  Each time it opened she was right there looking for more! 

Our sweet friend, Carol, sharing her chair with a sticky girl!

All that melon made her giggle

and dance!

It gave her plenty of energy to play outside.

Spending time with Ba-Ba.

It was a wonderful day celebrating our country with friends and family, beach time, a cook out, fireworks, and of course,

watermelon!!

A Week of Firsts

Little Miss had a busy week of new experiences.  She had her first haircut.  We are trying to grow her hair out.  Although it may seem we have not made much progress, her hair has come a long way from the faux hawk she had in one of the first photos we ever saw of her.

While we continue to let it grow it was time for a bit of a shape up.  Her bangs were a bit jagged.  It is not an issue when she keeps a precious bow in her hair but all too often that is not the case.  She loves to pull that bow out!  Getting started, see the long uneven bangs.

We weren't sure how this was going to turn out as busy girl was certainly not sitting still for this.  Too much to see!  But Mercedes was not rattled and kept cutting no matter which way Juliana turned!

It turned out great.  Juliana wanted to play a little longer in her jeep.

She even cleaned up after herself!

This week we also had her first swim lesson.  Finally!  I didn't get too many photos as I was walking the fine line of letting her know we were there and not seeing us so much she didn't want to participate.  Of course, the photos are also through the viewing area window.

This was after her first time under water.

Learning to kick.

Then she decided she wanted nothing more to do with this swimming nonsense.

In the end, Mr. Chris made it up to her with bubbles.  Smart man!

Can't wait to see how she does next week.

We ended the week of firsts with a trip to the dentist!  Oh boy! 

She loved the waiting area and all its toys.

She also loved the hygienist, Kelli, and her room with cabinets that actually open!

And all the cool gadgets, and sunglasses.  This place is fun!

Well, maybe not so much.  I don't have any more pictures because it all went downhill.  Really it wasn't that bad but a few tears were shed.  Once again, Dr. Lesley knew how to make our girl happy in the end.  On our way out she was able to see her dog, Meringue, and feed him a treat!  Our "doga"-loving girl immediately asked "More?"  She would have stayed and fed him treats all day! 

Instead we went to a Mexican restaurant. 

We discovered little miss loves refried beans. 

Mommy & Daddy are not big fans 

But she loved them in her mouth and all over her face!

I guess we can add that to her week of firsts!

The Month in Review

I can not believe it has been so long since my last post.  I will try to catch you up on our little world.

Bill's mom came for a visit.  I did not take many pictures but we enjoyed our time with her.  Our busy girl kept Grandma Carol on the go! 

Juliana playing with Grandma's zipper 

We celebrated my parent's 51st wedding anniversary.  We went to a local landmark, The Columbia Restaurant.  It is a delicious Spanish restaurant that has been in Ybor City since 1905.  It is a family favorite.  Juliana was happy.  Cuban bread will do that to a girl.

My Mom & Dad

Juliana with Aunt Linda

This month we also celebrated our nephew's 18th birthday.  It is hard to believe that little boy can be all grown up.  Chaise is an intelligent, handsome young man with a fantastic sense of humor.  My oh my can he make us laugh!

Juliana enjoyed the party.  She provided the musical entertainment.

Performing a duet with her cousin, Emily.

Juliana loves dogs.  My brother's family dog was no exception.  She was mesmerized by Remi's ears.  Remi is such a sweet girl she let Juliana play with them.

And kiss her too!

The next day was Mother's Day.  It was a wonderful day.  I truly savored the day and the overwhelming blessing I have to be Momma to our sweet girl.  My heart is filled with immense love. 

The greatest moment of the day was receiving this card made by Juliana.  Oh so sweet, I didn't need anything else.

The verse printed in her card is Proverbs 23:25. 

 It reads: May your father and your mother be glad, May she who gave birth to you rejoice.

Such an interesting yet appropriate verse.

Exactly 3 months after we arrived home, Juliana started to attend my bible study with me.  It is Bible Study Fellowship which includes a wonderful program for children.  She has loved it.  From her excitement of getting to see my mom-she starts yelling "Ba-ba!" (her name for Grandma Kent) as soon as we pull into the parking lot.  To her joy for her teachers and classmates.  We have been amazed to see her learn something new every week.  The study runs from September to May.  In the past, when May comes around I am ready for the summer break.  This year I was sad for it to end because it was an end for Juliana also.  We look forward to starting back in September.

Here she is with one of her teachers, Mrs. Sample.

We also went to a surprise party for my aunt and uncle.  It was their 50th wedding anniversary.  They were surprised and we had a great time.  Juliana once again tickled the ivories.  A piano may be in our future!  She was also a dancing queen.  She hopped, skipped, clapped her hands and spun until she was dizzy.  Obviously I was preoccupied with dancing with my girl because I didn't take any pictures.  Hopefully I can order some from the photographer!

In between all her social engagements, Juliana has been busy at home. 

Enjoying the pool.

She loves the water!  We have finally signed her up for swim lessons starting next week. 

In the meantime, we bought a mini pool so she can splash about without us getting in with her.

Anything to beat the heat, the hose works too!

Juliana has fallen in love with her polar bear, Louie.  He is named after our sweet friends, Louie and Carol, who gave him to her. 

She looks for him as soon as she wakes up. 

He goes shopping with us.

He tags along on our walks.

He is her little playmate!

Look at her gazing at him!

That just about wraps up the past month.  So much fun can be exhausting!