Glow Worms

Do you remember Glow Worms? I do! I had one when I was a kid. And it was one my favorite toys! Recently, I had noticed lots of kids with Glow Worms. And I put it on my list to buy for Sarita. I wanted to buy it for Christmas.

But when Juan and I went shopping, we couldn't find one anywhere! We even searched online. They were all sold out. Are they that "Hot" of a toy this year? Apparently so!

Then Nono came to the rescue. And Sarita got her Glow Worm for Christmas. She has been sleeping with her new buddy every night! It just makes me smile. I'm glad that Sarita is getting to play with some of the same toys that I played with. :) ~C

Feliz Navidad

Feliz Navidad! It's such a special day! And we are so lucky to have such amazing friends and family to share this day with. It's the day that Jesus was born. A day that we celebrate and cherish! And of course, spend with the people we love most! Familia C hopes that you have a very blessed day! ~C

La Virgen de Guadalupe

Today, we celebrate La Virgen de Guadalupe. On this day in 1531, La Virgen de Guadalupe appeared to Juan Diego. This happened on Tepeyac, near Mexico City. La Virgen has a special place in our culture. And of course, in our religion.

As a child, we would always make a sacrifice on this day. For our Blessed Mother. Every year, 1000s of people make the pilgrimage to Tepeyac. I would LOVE to go make the pilgrimage for Sarita. What a special thing to do for my little girl. But until the time comes when I can go, I will instead pray to my Blessed Mother. That she give us strength. And guides us. And that she watched over my little girl.

If you want to know more about this very special day, go here. And that is only the beginning of all the interesting information to learn. Honestly, I don't know a single Hispanic home that does not have a statue of La Virgen de Guadalupe. She is just that special to us. ~C

Happy Thanksgiving

We have so much to be Thankful for this year. Mainly, our daughter's health. Even if she has Cancer, she is still fighting. And is stronger than many other kids going through the same thing.

Familia C is also very Thankful for our friends and family. Honestly, we couldn't do all of this without their support. When we are down, they lift us up. We are so blessed in that!

Today is not all about parades, football games, and food. Although, we enjoy all of that very much! It's about family, friends, and all of our blessings. Thank you for our great support team that we have! And I want to Thank all of my readers. Who would have thought that I would start a blog and stick with it? I didn't! That's for sure. But Thank you for keeping me motivated to stick this out!

Happy Thanksgiving! Now it's time for me to go get another piece of pumpkin pie with whipped cream. Maybe even a turkey sandwich. :) ~C

Happy Dia de los Muertos

Dia de los Muertos or Day of the Dead happens to be Sarita's favorite holiday. In case you missed it, we're Hispanic. We're Americans, but our families did come from Mexico. My husband is a 2nd generation American, I'm a 3rd generation American.

We lived near the border until we lost our home in a flood in August 2006. And then our daughter got sick, and we moved east for her treatments. But we've never forgotten our heritage. My husband is a musician, and it's a big part of our culture.

We noticed that our daughter had a HUGE fascination will skulls and skeletons. When she was very young! Very, very young! We thought, maybe it was because we were always in the hospital. I don't know. Then maybe it was because her Nana is studied to be a doctor. And she's always with some medical book or journal. Still, I don't know. But Sarita likes her skeletons. A lot!

And Dia de los Muertos is her favorite holiday. She counts down to it like it was Christmas! Last year, we got to be home for the big day. And we went to see some friends perform in a local town. It was so much fun! And Sarita soaked everything up! She got to decorate a few Sugar Skulls. They were loaded with colorful frosting, lots of candy, and they were simply pieces of art! She colored pictures, made necklaces, etc. It was a super fun day!

Juan got to play the music for the event. And Sarita danced and danced. It also helps that everyone we know is a musician. And we knew everyone at this event. But our girl had a blast! All dressed up and part of the parade. :)

This year, we're stuck in the hospital. And Sarita was already feeling pretty down about it 2 or 3 weeks ago. She wanted to be part of the big show again. And honestly, I think she just wanted to enjoy the day. Could you imagine being 4 and not being able to celebrate Christmas, your birthday, or Easter? That's what it was like for Sarita.

Juan called La Chiquitita. And they talked it over. La Chiquitita sewed a cute "Muerto Bride" costume for Sarita. and Juan went and bought a "Skeleton Makeup Kit." We're going to dress up our little girl today. And she is so excited! The doctors can't wait to see what she is going to look like!

In case you're wondering, Dia de los Muertos is a Latin American holiday. You are celebrating the lives of your loved ones who have died. It's kind of like All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. You are supposed to build an alter and place sugar skulls, marigolds, and your loved ones favorite foods and drinks on the alter.

Since I can remember, our family has done this. It's a day to celebrate the lives of your loved ones. When I was really little, my abuelitos (grandparents) would take us to Mexico with them. And we'd visit the graves of family and friends. Leaving food, sugar skulls, marigolds, other flowers, drinks, etc. Musicians would sit in the graveyard and sing and play. Everyone would sing along and dance. And it would go one for hours and hours. Usually until the early morning of November 3rd.

The celebrate can be as long as 3 days! Starting on October 31st. But the big day is November 2nd! People sit around telling stories about the dead. The entire celebration is to offer things to your loved ones. Hoping they can hear you. And your prayers. It's about honoring the lives of the people you love.

A lot goes into this day. You bake lots of yummy things. And cook tons of food! Toys are left at the graves of children, and alcohol is usually left for adults. You can find people leaving blankets and pillows. Those are for the souls to rest on. :)

Pan de Muerto and Sugar Skulls are the most common thing you'll see on this day. It's like eggs on Easter or turkey on Thanksgiving. Matachines and Mariachis are very common too! But in all, it's a fun celebration. Maybe you can see why Sarita likes it so much! Now, I've got to go dress up my little "Muerto Bride." ~C

Happy Halloween

Honestly, this is one of my favorite times of year. And Sarita's I just love it! I wish we could dress her up and take her trick or treating. It just not in the cards this year. But I love the hospital we're at. We're dressing up our little princesa, and she gets to trick or treat here. They do such amazing things for the kids! We are really blessed to be here. :)

But I do miss all the decorating. And handing out candy. Since Juan and I got married, he usually has had to work on Halloween. That just happens when you marry a musician. They work on a lot of holidays. But I would still decorate our home and get dressed up. I just loved to hand out candy!

One day, I know we'll get there again. Our little girl will be healthy. And I can decorate our home. Until then, I hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween! Yum, I can't wait to eat a few mini candy bars! ~C

Look at Sarita's Favorite New Doll!

Do you remember Cabbage Patch Kids? I do! I remember the craze...in 1983. I'm not going to tell you how old I was. But I got one. Years later, I found out that my dad risked his life to get me mine. I have a great dad! :)

That was 1983. And La Chiquitita was an infant. And her dad got her one too! She still has it. No lie! On her bed. :) I just love her! Fast forward. To 2008...the 25th Anniversary of the Cabbage Patch Kids. And then to Christmas time. La Chiquitita gets another red head, green eyed babe from Marissa. :)

Everyone's kids know, they can't play with La Chiquitita's doll. But Sarita gets to. Well, when no one else is around. My daughter is spoiled! What a good Nana she has.

This year, for Sarita's birthday, this was one of the presents she got from her Nana! How sweet was that? Now, my daughter has her very one Cabbage Patch Kid! Just her size too! Because with this cancer, our daughter looks a lot younger than she is. Let's just say, she's growing very, very slowly!



But now Sarita has a cute little doll to play with. She is so proud. We even had to frame her baby's birth certificate! I just love it! And I love to watch her baby her sweet doll. She is just so gentle. Thanks La Chiquitita! You know exactly how to put a smile on my little girl's face. :) ~C

Oh My 'Rella!

Have I told you this before? My daughter is spoiled! And I can't even say by me and my husband. But by her Godparents. They really went all out this year for Sarita's birthday. Here are just a few of her favorite 'Rella presents. Let's not forget about all the clothes. And the big trunk of dress up goodies from Cinderella's Castle. Thanks Nono! Yes, straight from Disney World to our little princesa! And all the handmade things from Nana. Oh and the Barbies!

A cute necklace!

Some talking jewelry.

These cute gloves and fun purse! It's perfect!

A 'Rella with lots of clothes!

'Rella, Prince Charmin', a castle, and lots of fun things to play with!

Need a carriage, some fun animals, and a Fairy Godmother?

A laughing and talking 'Rella baby doll!

Another fun 'Rella baby doll. She really likes this one!

A 'Rella Barbie doll. Too cute!

This one has a long dress. She's pretty!

And another Tea Set. She likes to keep her other one at her Nana. Something tells me it has to do with their "Tea Parties." Who would like real tea and sugary snacks?

As you can see, our little princesa is spoiled by her Godparents. And not just with the material goods. But with lots and lots of LOVE! Thank you Nana and Nono! You both mean so much to us! ~C

Happy Birthday Sarita!

Dear Baby Girl,

We can't believe you turn 4 years old today! Where has all the time gone? Believe me when I say this, but it feels just like yesterday when I found out you were growing inside me. It was such a happy day! One that your daddy and I prayed for all the time!

The day you were born, you changed our lives forever! I know that your daddy and I are so proud to be your parents. We had no idea what to expect. Or if we were even going to be good at this. I hope we're doing a good job. Because mi amorcita, you deserve the very best parents!

The last 4 years have flown by! I remember holding you during our first few nights at home. I would pray all the time. I prayed that God would help me to be the best mama I could be. And when you started to sit up, roll over, crawl, walk, and even talk...you just made my heart grow so much!

It is such an honor to say that I'm your mama. I love you with all of my heart. I know your daddy feels the same way. Every night, we go to bed, and your daddy and I Thank God for you. Sarita you make our lives better!

I wish every day that I could trade places with you. I want for you to be healthy. I wish that I could give you that much. Instead, we pray for that. And we try to make all your other dreams and wishes come true.

The last year, you've grown up so much! I love the way you talk to all of your doctors. You're such a big girl! And I just love talking to you. It's so much fun to sit and talk about all the girly things you like. I love that you rock your little hats and scarves. That you love your piggies and 'Rella so much!

But most of all, I love you! With all of my heart. My days begin with thoughts of all the things I want to do with you in that day. And my days end, Thanking God for all the things we have done! I want you to be happy. I pray that you are going to grow strong. And that you have the chance to meet your "Prince Charming." And one day have a family of your own. But most of all, I pray for your health and happiness!

Happy 4th Birthday Amorcita!

Love,

Your Mama and Papi

Our Angel

It's been 4 long years. And I still miss B. She suffered a lot. But always had a smile on her face. You would never have known all the pain she was in. And very unexpectedly and suddenly, B went to heaven. God called our Angel home.

It was a tough time. For all of us. Sals had just had Marissa. Linda and Gabe had just gotten married. And we were waiting for Sarita. But that day, 4 years ago, our lives shattered. Especially Big O's. I just don't know how he made it through everything. I honestly don't know how.

B was one of my best friends. Our husbands are best friends. They've known each other forever! And worked together. As the wives of musicians, we became quick and close friends. How could you not be B's friend? But we got really close. And she was one of my very best friends.

Even when she got really sick, I liked to go spend time with her. It was so hard to see her getting so sick and weak. But Juan and I really want for B and Big O to be our baby girl's Godparents. No matter what was in B's future. We wanted our little girl to be blessed with good Godparents.

And just 5 days before our little girl was born, B went to God's Kingdom. It was a tough week. And the day that B was buried, I went into labor. I never thought I would make it through labor. And the delivery. But Big O and La Chiquitita were there as support for Juan and I.

Even in that tough week, we had a bright spot. I know B was there. And our daughter was born perfect. Even in the coming months, when we found out that Sarita was sick, I knew B was there. Every time we go home, I have to go visit B. I just feel a need to be close to her. La Chiquitita and Big O have been great! They're Sarita's Godparents. And they both LOVE to share stories about B with Sarita. Sarita has 2 middle names. Of course, we had to name her after B! And she knows all about our Angel!

I like that La Chiquitita and I can sit and talk about our dear friend. We both miss her so much! And it still feels like a great shock. Every year, I cry my eyes out. I miss B so much! And I know she is in heaven with her little one. I just wish we would have had more time with one of the very best people I have ever had the privilege to know! We LOVE you B! ~C

Purple Grapes?

Today Sarita asked me why "grape flavored" things are purple. Um, I really don't know. I had never really thought about it. But my 3 year old was wondering. Why? Because she was eating a grape popsicle.

You know, you buy grapes, they green or red. Wine is white or red. But everything grape flavored (candy, juice, popsicles, kool-aid, etc.) are purple. Weird. I know. But it just had me thinking.

Sarita and I came to the conclusion that it's just a fun color. Let's not even get into why "razzleberry flavored" things are blue. What the heck is a razzleberry? ~C

It All Started Here...

Our daughter is a HUGE Cinderella fan! Or in our house, she is known as 'Rella! This is how it all started...

When Juan and I found out we were having a little girl, we were so excited! Funny how I always thought my husband would want a son. But he told me that he wants nothing but little girls! One weekend, the mariachi had gigs all weekend. And literally, they had 3 hours off a night. It was a busy weekend. In the middle of summer. They're crazy time of year!

Between gigs, the guys decided to stop and get something to eat. Somehow, that led my husband to Target. Why? I'm not sure. But that's where he went. And he came home with this Cinderella baby doll.



She is too cute! And she has a soft body. Well, 'Rella sat in Sarita's crib until she was born. Then she became Sarita's favorite character. She always had to have her baby 'Rella with her.

Shortly after Sarita got sick, we lost 'Rella. We accidently left her in one of the many doctors' offices we were frequenting. And we searched high and low for another soft 'Rella. Sarita cried for her baby. Somehow Nana found one. She came to the rescue and overnighted 'Rella to us! Our baby 'Rella is part of the family. We never go anywhere without her. And every night, my 2 princesas go off to Dreamland together. ~C

My Love!

When I was pregnant with Sarita, we were really busy. No lie! We had friends who were expecting. Friends getting married. A friend who was sick. And my husband was working almost non-stop! It was just busy. The summers used to be so busy for us. That's when my husband works the most. It wasn't unusual for him to go to work at 6 in the morning (on a Saturday) and not return home until 5am on Sunday. Then he'd sleep for 2 hours, get up and head back out. The life of a musician.

With that, I had his schedule with me all the time. We would try and meet sometime on between Thursday-Sunday for lunch. Let me tell you, it was hard to find even 30 minutes. And I'd spend a lot of time wobbling around town, just trying to catch up with him. I was probably 7 months pregnant. Oh, and we live in the desert. The temps were at least 100 degrees every day!

My dear friend La Chiquitita would see me. I was beat tired. Trying to get ready for our little girl. Running around. Picking up CD orders for my husband. Going with him to pick up trajes. It was none stop. And I mention to La Chiquitita how I couldn't sleep at night. It was miserable! I just couldn't unwind.

Did I mention? She works with my OB/GYN. A few days later, I went in for my appointment. It was insanely hot outside. And during my last trimester, I only wore dresses. I really couldn't stand anything else. At home, I was usually in underwear, a tank top, and the AC was always on! The heat was just miserable! But that day, La Chiquitita had a present for me...



This little basket full of "The Healing Garden" lavender set. It's heaven! It had way more products than this set. And it smells so good! I about cried. she also included a CD of relaxing classical music and a massage book. That night, I tried everything out! And I slept like a baby.

I still use this line. And for my baby shower, La Chiquitita included another scent for the line. I can't even remember the name of it. But it was another one designed for relaxing and sleeping. Sadly, they don't make it anymore. :(

But this stuff is amazing. I use the lotion the most. I like the texture and the scent. It's not over powering. And something that just makes me smile. Even in a hospital. Oh, and Sarita LOVES to be massaged with this! It's a complete success! ~C

Barbies

We're not the kind of parents that restrict our daughter on what toys she can play with. Because she's been through a lot! A whole lot! And when she says that she would like to play with a car or a Barbie, we're OK with it.

When our daughter was 2 years old, she wanted to play with Barbies. My husband was all over that! He left the hospital and came back with 3 and a ton of clothes! We don't spoil her. But when we've been in the hospital for 6 weeks, barely surviving, and your daughter asks for a toy. Well, it's the least we can do. An added bonus, she's a really good kid. And likes to share.

Sals and I had this talk. Because our daughters are close in age. And printed on the Barbie box is a warning. Something about your child should be 3 years old to play with them. Like I said, our daughter is a lot older than her numerical age. It could have something to do with her pretty much living in the hospital. Sals wouldn't let Marissa have a Barbie until she turned 3.

Since the 1st Barbies, our daughter has really got into her Barbies. I doubt that they will ever overtake 'Rella. But we have a nice little collection. Recently, I seen this one at Target.



I really want to buy it for Sarita. I know it is a little much for a soon to be 4 year old. But to see her sweet smile would make Juan and I so happy! I know $60 is a lot of money. But you only turn 4 once! And this will probably be her entire present from us. Now I think, I need to go to Target. :) ~C

Berenstain Bears

This was one of my favorite books to read when I was little. I like the whole series really. They had them at school. But this was my favorite! And one of the 1st things I bought when I found out I was having a baby. I figured, both a boy or a girl would love and appreciate it. :)



Sarita and I read lots of books all the time! Every night we have a bedtime story. Every morning, we read from her Children's Bible. Thanks Nana for it! But today, we got a special surprise from Nana. Another HUGE LOVER OF BOOKS!



That's right! The Berenstain Bears have a book about praying! Love it! I can see us reading this many, many times. Thanks again Nana! ~C

Friday Find

Sarita hasn't been this happy in a long time! She got a big box in the mail today. Loaded with things from her Nana, la chiquitita. She is a good friend of ours, and Sarita's nina. Everything was wrapped individually.

In the box, Sarita got 2 coloring books, new crayons, new markers, and 4 new books. She really enjoys reading! And Nana made her some more animals for her collection. Her favorites are the 3 new pigs! The one with the polka dot ribbon is too cute! There is also a rag doll with clothes to play with. There are dresses, nightgowns, and cute pants outfits.

But that is not all! La chiquitita sent Sarita 3 new hats. They are just too stylish. And 2 dresses that she made. Between Sarita's Nana and Nono, she is really spoiled. Right now she is sitting in her bed coloring in her new books. With her piggies sitting in her lap. If I could figure out how to post a picture, I would show you all the amazing stuff that Sarita got in the mail today! We are blessed to have caring people like la chiquitita in our lives. ~C

New Beginnings and Blessings

I am starting this blog as a way to keep in touch with our friends and family. It has been a rough couple of years. Sarita has been sick since she was 9 months old. And was diagnosed when she was just 15 months old. Our entire lives stopped so that we could take care of our baby girl. And we moved so that she could get the best treatment we could find.

For our family, life is on an upswing. And we have to enjoy every second of it! Sarita finished her latest treatment last week. She won't start up again until after her 4th birthday. Very good news! We want her to have as normal of a birthday as possible. She deserves it. We will also be going back home. Mems is going to help us with a pig or 2. And a Matanza is the way to celebrate 4 amazing years with Sarita!

We miss everyone back home so much! I know that Juan misses playing. But the guys have been so great to us. During such a difficult time, we need all the support we can get. They have been right here with us. Picking up the slack when we just couldn't deal with life. They are more than just friends, they really are family.We are really blessed. ~C