My companion

After a very nice start, summer in Philly turned rainy. It rained every day for more than a week. But when 4th of July came, the sun shone and gave us a great holiday. Daddy had to work, so mommy and Catalina enjoyed some amazing days together.

Some time back, I was telling a friend how I never expected motherhood to be so nice and rewarding. She has a daughter of herself, and she told me: If you think it's nice now, wait until she grows up a little and she looks at you like you are God, she admires everything you do, she thinks you are the smartest and most beautiful thing on earth. I smiled at that time, not knowing how true she was.

Catalina is growing and yes, she thinks her mommy is the greatest. Can you imagine how happy this makes her mommy?

And since daddy had to work, mommy and Catalina planed many great activities together. Morning of July 4, on a humid heat, the two best friends went to walk in a neighborhood parade. All dressed blue, red and white, I had the cutest patriot with me!

Even before the parade started, Catalina's shoes messed up with her feet and she decided she does not need them. Mommy was a little worried, expecting she'll have to carry her cute american girl all the way through the parade. No chance! Once the parade started moving, Catalina waved her flag and walked proud, happy, and barefoot for half a mile!

We ended the parade at daycare, having juice and pretzels with old friends. It was an amazing way to end a very hot morning.

And what is 4th of July without fireworks! We drove to a high school near by and we had a nice time resting and enjoying (finally!) a pleasant, not too hot evening.

The party continued for mommy and little girl. Next day was Friday and mommy did not take Catalina to daycare, but instead, they went together to mommy's work. As usual, Catalina loved it there. Since daddy was still not home, we decided the best idea was to have a lunch date. It was amazing!
Catalina is the best date a mommy can have. She smiled, ate and told me stories. Never a dull moment with this girl!

We ended the day with some play around the house. Again, me and my friend enjoyed some special moments playing in dirt :)

 When daddy finally came home, he inflated the pool and it was fun time all over again!

Sunday was the only day we had for the whole family. I missed having Catalina all to myself, but it was high time I share her with her daddy. We went to a nice pool outside town and Catalina had a blast! Usually scared of water, my little mermaid did not want to leave.

We were all tired at the end of the day. But so so happy. I don't think most people truly realize how amazing kids are, until they have them in their house, smiling, screaming, drawing on the walls. So many times we all hear about all the sacrifices made for kids, how life changes and you don't have time for yourself. But so very few times we actually hear that those sacrifices are not really sacrifices, are just moments of intense fun, of smiles and laughs that blow up your face. As for myself, I always needed a companion. Growing up I always followed my mom and my sister, always in need to share time and space with somebody.

Now, I have the best companion I ever dreamt of. Funny, sweet, beautiful, loving, naughty and extremely stubborn. I don't need time for myself and somehow I never have to make sacrifices. Yes, we scream at each other, we play, we cry, we scream some more. But at the end of the day, there is no frown on my face that was brought by my sweet Catalina. There is no regret and no sacrifice. Just pure happiness.