Ugh...

For some reason, my internet connection tonight hates me! I've literally been working on loading pictures for almost 3 hours. I started with Day 1 so you can see a few pictures on that day.

Now that I'm a new mom with a baby, time is everything! Now I'm tired and have a headache from staring at this stupid screen for so long. If my Dad were living and had experienced the last 3 hours with me, he's say, "DADGUMMI!!!" If you're not from Texas or the USA and you're reading this (which I know of a few), that means...SHOOT...I'M FRUSTRATED!

Let me get on to better things to tell you about. Let me add that for now we are calling our Abi...Valeria. It's the name that was chosen by the woman who birthed her and used for the past 13 months by her foster mother. Believe me, I'm not coming in and changing her name this soon.

What I may not have said yesterday about Valeria...

• THE GIRL HAS SOME LUNGS...I know she woke the entire block yesterday with her LOUD cry!!!
• SHE IS ALREADY GRIEVING...this is very good because it allows for her to be more open sooner than later.
• SHE IS EATING...this is also good because they say when the babies get to their "forever family", they often won't eat because they are so unhappy...not this sweetie pie!
• SHE HAS SIX TEETH...four on the top and 2 on the bottom...she eats table food with us.
• SHE LIKES SUGAR...like me!! She drinks whole leche (milk) WITH PURE CANE BROWN SUGAR IN IT...thank you very much! And it must be warm. Oh, and it must be right or you will do it over!
• SHE HAS BEAUTIFUL SKIN...her skin color is dark and she has a birthmark on her bahooka (bottom).
• SHE HAS BIG EYES...very beautiful and changing as she learns more of our love. Yesterday they were somewhat hollow. Even when she would smile, they weren't happy. Today, they've changed a bit and we look forward to even brighter eyes tomorrow!
• SHE HAS GREAT HAIR...it's just lovely!! After her morning nap today, which was 2.5 hours, she woke with curls in the back! When we met Valeria yesterday, she had two piggies on the top of her head...so cute!
• SHE HAS "CHUBBIES"...her cheeks and thighs are delicious. She's been so loved and is quite healthy!
• SHE HAS MOMENTS OF...sadness. She will be content and playing and then something will trigger her memory and she will cry. As it is very sad, for all of us, we know this is good for her. It's at these moments that I hold her close and whisper in her ear that she is loved. She is finally with her "forever family." I also make mention of her foster mother and say, "you've already been very loved...I'm sure she misses you too." The biggest moment of crying today was this morning when Lillia (Maurice's wife, the owners of this B&B), saw Valeria all decked out with a big flower on her headband and in a darling outfit. She began to speak Spanish to her in a loud and friendly voice. Valeria immediately started bawling, not crying. It brought up memories of the "Mama" that has cared for her her entire life.
• SHE HAS MOMENTS OF...happiness! She loves Josh and Bella and the attention they give her. They are at the perfect age to help care for her. Josh picks her up out of her pack-n-play or sets her in it when she wants alone time. He also holds her for short periods of time. She likes him. Bella plays peek-a-boo with Valeria by hiding her (own) eyes and saying, "Where's Valeria? Where's Valeria?"...opens her hands quickly and says, "THERE SHE IS!" Valeria LOVES it!

There were fewer tears today...more moments of bonding...a trip to the mall...she LOVES her stroller!!!...and precious moments with our baby girl!

Better get to bed...this Mama is tired!

PS. Sorry there isn't but one picture of Valeria/Abi and Daddy yet. They are coming. He wasn't in the mood much today for pics...actually, he's rarely in the mood...unlike me. ;)