Dear Philomena,
You truly live up to your name! You have been and continue to be such a beautiful and loving little girl. I think we were amazed by how affectionate you were so early on, and we continue to love your sweet embraces and kisses.
You were definitely the quietest baby after delivery. I almost wondered if something was wrong, but you were unaware that you were brought into this world. You were our smallest baby. How tiny your features were compared to Tobias and Magdalene, but you definitely did not stay tiny for long. I prayed for a chubby baby, and God granted that wish!
Your first day home was such a joyful day! You had an older brother and older sister awaiting your arrival. Tobias was only 18 months old when you were born, and Magdalene was a little over 2 1/2 years old. They took their jobs very seriously! Your madrinha (godmother), grandparents, tias, uncles, other family members, and friends were awaiting your arrival.
Daddy laughed when he saw how much hair you had. Hairy and Portuguese just go together. Sorry!
We were so excited for your baptism later that week!
Like I mentioned earlier, it didn't take long for baby Mena to get her chub!
"What do you mean I'm in the 100th percentile for weight? Well, at least I'm only in the 15 percentile for height."
Mommy was a little too excited to make you a tutu for your first birthday like your big sister.
Nothing has changed. You still like the frosting and cream....you don't really eat the cake.
This picture perfectly describes your first reaction to new people or situations.
First tea party with your madrinha (godmother)!
Thank you Daddy for taking me to Disneyland.
Daddy loves to call you donut, and you love it as well. So why not have a donut party!
By the way, you had the easiest party ever. Thank you sweet girl!
Map from Dora was taking you on an adventure on your birthday. You had clues to presents or destinations to get you to your donut party!
Sure you can have mini donuts for breakfast!
First part of the adventure was talking to Vavo through videochat.
Poor Mena has a hard time pedaling so her birthday present this year from Vavo was a trike that Mommy or Daddy could help push from behind.
She was so excited! It was like watching her on an exercise bike. She was pedaling away.
Part 2 of her adventure was hearing a riddle from Daddy the Troll (Dora character). She had to find a present in the dryer.
Hello Sheriff Callie! Now on to adventure party three to the new house! She was going to find her "horse" there.
Daddy traded firewood for a little girl's adventure bike. He even spray painted some details to make it more fun.
We take a break in this post to write an update on the house. Our new front door has been added. Thank you to the wonderful carpenter who placed it in!
Now onto the last part of the adventure. Donut party!
We had some really excited children!
Happy Birthday Donut! We could not imagine our lives without your sweet smile, laugh, and personality. We are blessed to be your parents!
*Thank you to everyone for your birthday treats, calls, cards, and gifts. You are all so sweet! She loved opening each card, and then she immediately wanted to draw a picture in each card except for the one she received from Texas. She wanted to keep opening it over and over and over. It was sweet to watch her.
*It will be a surprise when Tia Brenda comes to visit. We plan on doing a party with extended family during her trip so Tia Brenda can have fun too! I think Brenda and I will be busy baking some donut inspired flavored cakes!
