Houston, we have a toddler!

I really should have written this post about three weeks ago, because that's when it happened. One day, I looked at Gabby and realized that she had become a toddler! I'm not sure I'm ready for this (I was really just getting used to having a baby), but ready or not, it's happening! A few tell-tale signs?

1. One day, she simply started turning her nose up at almost everything we tried to spoon-feed her. We had to switch almost exclusively to finger foods so she could feed herself. We've now restored some control over meal time and she'll eat what we give her as long as there are also things on her tray that she can feed herself.

2. One morning, she was screaming bloody murder in her crib and I rushed in there, expecting some horrific, bloody scene. The second she saw me, her face lit up with a huge smile and she said "Goo da ba go doh." That translates roughly into "Hah, I knew it would work!" There was not a tear in sight. Yes, she's learned the art of manipulation.

3. She's shows us what she wants. When she wants to walk, she comes over, grabs a finger on each hand, pulls herself up, turns around, and takes off. It's not up for discussion. She also points and grunts when she wants something that's out of her reach (usually it's grapes - that kid LOVES grapes).

So, as you can imagine, things are even more interesting around the Rojas household, what with a toddler and all! It is SO much fun though - Gabby has developed this assertive, funny personality and it's so amazing to see her learn and grow. She is all but walking on her own, so I suspect that the next time I post we'll have our hands even more full than we do now. Oh, one more thing... Gabby is turning in to a bit of a mama's girl, which I LOVE, partly because it reassures me that I'm doing okay as a mom and Gabby is forming healthy attachments, and partly because there is nothing better in this life than seeing a beautiful face light up every time you walk in to a room.

Below are a few pictures from Gabby's birthday party last Saturday. Enjoy!

Leslie, Daniel, & Gabriela

Feliz Cumpleaños, Princesa!

Today is our precious little girl's first birthday! We had a great day together - I was able to switch my work week around so that I could spend the day with her, and Daniel was able to join us in the afternoon. We went to Red Robin for dinner and had lots of fun. Gabby got TWO balloons, the waiters sang "Happy Birthday" to her, and she got to have an ice cream sundae for dessert! She was all smiles and giggles on the way home. We hope she knows how much we love her and how much joy she brings to us every single day!

When I last posted, Gabby was sick with the stomach flu. She couldn't hold anything down, even Pedialyte or water, for two days. By the third day, she was dehydrated and clearly felt horrible. We took her to our pediatrician, who sent us over to the hospital so they could give her IV fluids and rule out more serious problems. By that time, she'd lost a pound in under a week (she had been weighed at her well-baby exam the previous Friday). She continued to throw up for two more days, and finally on the sixth day held down diluted formula and rice cereal. It was an AWFUL week. When she finally felt better, she was ravenous (and just a wee bit clingy and cranky) and we could not feed her fast enough. In addition to putting away more solid food than Daniel and I put together, she drank two extra bottles every day for a week. I think she might have set a world record. She is now over a pound heavier than before she got sick, so she's back in the saddle!

Below are some pictures of the big day - enjoy!