Walking Everywhere

I decided to go out and buy a Flip video camera so at least I will have some video of Dawson. This camera just holds 60 minutes of video and is small and compact. I've been carrying it around and just getting a few shots here and there. I love it! It's much better than a large video camera for me! This is my first video posting so I hope it works!!! This past week, Dawson has not only been walking, but climbing all over everything!

June 24th, 2008...MY FIRST BIRTHDAY

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY DAWSON!!!

We have made it past another milestone! Dawson had a party last night with about 35 people and lots of kids too. She was not overwhelmed but, took everything in and she never stopped playing the whole night! She had cake, opened presents, and took part in the pinata breaking activity. Pinatas are a huge part of birthday parties in Guatemala so I thought we would try to carry on that tradition. We were lucky to have our friend Maria, from Guatemala, in town for Dawson's birthday. She has been staying with my brother's family for the past 3 weeks. Dawson loves when she speaks Spanish to her!

I have lots of explanations for the pictures today. First, I have a passion for pictures so I am always the one taking them! That's why I'm never in any! This week, I had my mom take one of the both of us at our Little Gym class. (One of her favorite places to go!) Next comes the bath tub picture. Dawson has not liked her bath from the day I met her. After 5 weeks of being home, she is in the tub and I think I might see a smile. As for the rib eating picture...she spent the night at my parents house and came home with this picture. I have no idea how she is eating ribs with no teeth! I can only hope she's not eating these for breakfast like her bib says! The last few days I have been getting ready for Dawson's first birthday. Everything is coming up so fast. I can't believe she has been home for 5 weeks, is walking every where by herself and is turning one! She has made such huge strides since coming home! Birthday pictures will be coming soon. Happy first birthday DAWSON!

Father's Day at the Lake

Dawson and I went to the lake to spend the day with Papa on the boat. The weather was perfect and we enjoyed our boat ride. Here are a few photos of Dawson and her Papa!

Saturday, June 14th, 2008

What have we been up to this week???? On Wednesday we went to the Little Gym for class. Dawson looked around at all the others and then decided to join in. She loved the music, dancing and mostly, the bubbles. On Friday, we went to the zoo and it was HOT. The picture at the zoo is the one where she is looking up from her stroller. As you can see, she is always sweaty...that's what her foster mom told me too! Today...she decided to eat toilet paper. It probably tastes good since it just melted in her mouth!!!!

SWIMMING!

I decided to work on the lack of interest in water today! I keep telling Dawson she has a lake house so she better start liking the water! She wimpered a lot but, got wet. She was not thrilled about the pool and continued to give it dirty looks. Her favorite part was just playing on her blanket! We have all summer to master this bath and pool thing!

June 3rd, 2008

I have just learned how fast Dawson has won over grammy and papa! Last night my carbon monoxide detector went off and I had to call the fire department around 11:00. My mom and dad pulled in right after the fire truck, scooped Dawson into the car and left. Where does that leave Ella and I? Standing in the driveway with the 6 firemen, the fire chief, and a house full of gas! Actually, they couldn't find anything so Ella and I went back in to sleep with the windows open. Dawson had her first sleepover at grammy and papa's while I went to work for the last day of school. I think she is keeping them very busy!!! Here is a picture from the soccer tournament this past weekend. She's thinking about possibly playing soccer????