A wonderful date

     Today was just wonderful. It was picture day at Catalina's daycare, so she got to wear nice clothes, even though it was mighty cold outside. So when she woke up, she asked me immediately to give her the nice dress that I had ironed for her the night before. She behaved wonderfully (even at breakfast time!), she let me put two piggy tails and a nice pink bow in her hair. I felt I am 14 again and I am playing with dolls, it's just that this time my doll was also sharing hugs, kisses and smiles. Not a bad deal at all! She looked wonderful, and we'll have the professional proof soon enough :).

   Today was also her 3 yo doctor visit. I was a little worried they will press me again about vaccines, so when I picked Catalina up from day care I did not have my spirits quite up. But there she was, dancing with colored ribbons and running in my arms to tell me that she did smile for the picture. So, I got a very big smile on my face also. And, what do you know, Catalina LOVES the doctors. She was all smiles, she danced on the floor and happily took the gown as a Cinderella dress. Well, she looks gorgeous in both :)

    The doctor verdict was simple and very much in line with what I believe about my daughter. She is perfect! So, the doctor said it also, it must be true :)

Since the doctor visit stretched a little too long, instead of taking Catalina back to day care for lunch, we had lunch together at out family's favorite spot. We got a yummy soup and a sandwich. She got so many compliments waiting in line! Her face was all smiles and she looked like a piece of sunshine. Yes, I felt very proud at being her mama.

So, I had a one to one date with my daughter :)

She was the best! Her table manners were impeccable. Not one drop of soup spilled. She entertained me with stories about her friends and about her adventures. And in the end she told me she's tired. So we hoped in the car and went to day care, so my cute little button can dream about flowers and princesses.

If you wish hard enough...

Your dreams come true.
Mine did :)

My gorgeous little girl is 3! And she is more perfect than I could ever imagine.
We were so incredibly excited for her birthday this year. We wanted to give her the best party, since now she understands that her birthday is HER special day. It took quite a bit of searching, but I believe we found the perfect place for her!

    We started celebrations early. We knew her party will take lots of energy, so we partied for 3 days.
Friday, March 8th Catalina had her party at daycare. Parents usually bring cake and some juice, get to sing Happy Birthday and hug the girl. Her classmates were quite excited to have a party, so everybody was happy. As for me, my heart just filled with a little more love and admiration, at how awesome my daughter is.

Catalina loved being the center of attention. She loved her cake and blowing the candle. She helped us set the table for her friends and gave everybody a party hat. It was a nice preview for the big party :)

Since March 8th is Mother's/Woman's Day in Romania, we did have reasons to open presents and receive flowers a day in advance :). Peter, Silvia, Mikil (and their parents :) and bunica Milica sent again way too many gifts. So Catalina was busy.

Oh yeah, rehearsing the princess walk in high hills and a beautiful dress.

And then, it was time for the big day! Saturday morning (and March 9th for that matter) we all went for Catalina's gymnastics class. With a car full of balloons, we got into the party spirit quite easily

 The gymnastics trainers sang Happy Birthday to Catalina and again she was happy. And then it was time for the BIG PARTY!

It was a Cinderella party and Catalina wore her Cinderella dress all party long. I thought it is uncomfortable and scratchy but she loved it. She looked amazing in it. And here is the proof

The play area had a nice walk in house and Catalina played the princess for a long time

And here she is, my beautiful, gentle, elegant and so wonderfully proud princess. You are gorgeous, my love!

Catalina was a perfect host. As young as she is, she greeted all her friends, handed party cones and gave hugs. I was so proud of her!

And then it was party and play time. Laughter and joy, my heart could have not gotten bigger.

Little tired, sweetheart? :)

Nope, more fun to come!!

When the cake came, Catalina was ready for it. She sat patiently as everybody sang happy birthday. We could feel her emotions, her realization that everybody is there for her, that all that love was meant for her only. It's an unbelievable feeling, as a mom, to realize that indeed, your heart does not beat in your own chest anymore, but in a smaller, much better and more beautiful body.

May all your wishes come true, my lovely Catalina! I will pray for you and your dreams all my life, as they have become mine also.

And here they are, the happiest, most fulfilled and luckiest parents alive.

May each year bring one more smile on your face and one more sparkle in those beautiful eyes. May God allow us to watch you, love you and enjoy you for many many years to come!

La multi ani, my dearest big and beautiful girl!

Martisor

I am very much behind with the writting. Life has a way of going fast. So, let's recapitulate :)

The month of March is called in Romanian the month of Martisor. This is a very specific romanian word and it is associated with a most beautiful symbol of spring and freshness and friendship. We call it martsior and we wear it on our coats the whole month of March. It's a white and red thread with a cute charm. we give it to our friends and family and loved one on March 1st, the romanian official beginning of spring.

The morning of March 1st my cute girl was all excited. She looked awesome and she was in very good spirits. She showed everybody in her class her new martisor and felt good at being so special.

       While only romanians celebrate March 1st as the beginning of spring, March 8th is considered International Woman's Day. Eastern Europe and some other few countries have one of the most beautiful holidays. March 8th is the day when in Romania all women are gorgeous. They dress up, have wide beautiful smiles on their faces and flowers in their hands. 

And this is the day when mothers get most of the praise they deserve all year long. Once more, this year I was not there for my mom, to give her the kisses, and hugs and all the love she deserves. So here it is for you, mami, virtual flowers that I hope you received on your special day.

And I hope that at least this day you were loved the way you loved us, without limits and without reason. And I hope that your eyes sparkled and your mouth smiled and your heart was joyous. Because over seas and continents, our heart traveled an imaginary road to be with you.
La multi ani, mami!