The Adventures of Johanah

First Day of School

2010-08-23T20:22:00.000-07:00

I can't believe my baby girl started school today. I enrolled her at St. Leo the Great Catholic school. She is in there pre-kindergarten class in order to guarantee her a spot in the kindergarten class next year. The school only has one classroom per grade with a max of 30 students per class. She will be here until she starts high school. The school has a great reputation and high scores for testing. The only downside is he needs to wear a uniform, but the plus side, is it saves me money on clothes. We have had a busy summer, with the amusement park, zoo, picnics, beach days, pool parties, the wiggles show, the circus, disney on ice...can I say SPOILED.......That's ok it is just as much fun for me as it is for her. Next up we have a picnic from my adoption agency and then Disneyland in November for her birthday and whatever else I can squeeze in. Hope everyone is doing great out there and hope to talk to you soon.

May 2010

2010-05-30T21:17:00.000-07:00

Well I know I haven't posted anything in a while. It just seems like there is not enough time in the day to get things done. We spent a few hours today at the beach so the first picture is of me and her at the beach. I have now signed Johanah up for cooking class. Those of you who really know me, should know how important this is to me (I hate cooking). Johanah on the other hand loves it and can't wait until the next class. She is still taking swimming, gymnastics, soccer and now cooking. In case you haven't figurered it out yet, there is no time for me to get things done, that's ok as long as she is having fun. Johanah has been asking to go on a plane ride so I booked a trip to LA ( in 2 weeks) to go visit our friends Mark and Evelyn whom we met when we lived in Guatemala. Should be a great weekend and it is only 1 hr 10 min flight for us. Next weekend she is in her first gymnastics show so can't wait. Johanah got accepted into the Catholic school and starts in August. I can't believe how time flies. I was just thinking that last week 3 years ago, I got on a plane to Guatemala to see her for the first time and become a mom. I was told it would only be about 4-5 weeks and then both of us would be coming home, 6 months later and an experience and great friends that will last forever we finally came home. That seem unbelievable that is has been 3 years already.

Anyway, enjoy the pictures until next time.

New Adventures

2010-02-07T21:28:00.001-08:00

Well we have been busy with sports and birthdays. We have now started soccer lessons which I have to say are her favorite right now, and we are still doing gymnastics. I decided that we would take a break from dance and swimming this time around so that I can get a feel of what she really enjoys. The month of January was kind of slow for us, it was my brothers birthday and anytime she can spend with her Tio and Tia is the best in her eyes. I am progressing in my Spanish lessons and feel that I am getting closer to being able to communicate when I go back to Guatemala (hopefully by the end of the year). I have put an application in for Johanah for a Pre-K class at a local Catholic school. I can't believe she is only 3 and I am already getting ready for the fall when she turns 4. I won't know if she has been accepted until early April but keeping my fingers crossed. I can't believe they have a screening process for Pre-K class... At the end of this month we are going to see Disney on Ice (for the second time) but this time I got tickets in the second row from the ice, we will see how she likes that. Also the local ice rink (where the Sharks (hockey) practice) are giving a free class for 3-6 year old on ice skating and hockey so we might give that a try as well. Talk to everyone soon

X-Mas

2009-12-27T14:26:00.000-08:00

I am not very good about posting, but here are some pictures from Christmas. The green boots actually are like rain boots and have alligators (I think) on them and she wants to wear them everywhere. Santa brought her a new bike, candyland, and dolls and some clothes. She finally was moved out of the 25/2T clothes. So we had to get all new clothes, but the 3T and too long and don't fit the waist. I need to get the ones with adjustable waists so they don't fall off. Come February I am enrolling her in a catholic pre K program that will start in August. I love this school and it is 50% English and 50% Spanish so she won't lose what she already know, which by the way is more than I know. Johanah is definitely got the 3 year old attitude so we are trying to nip that in the butt, but otherwise she awesome. She is still doing gymnastics, and swimming but lately has been asking about soccer, so I guess we will enroll in that after the first of the year. Talk to everyone soon

My 3rd birthday

2009-11-25T17:11:00.000-08:00

I went to Disneyland for my 3rd birthday and had so much fun. We rode all the rides and saw almost all the characters. We spent 3 days at Disneyland and 1 day at SeaWorld. My Tio and Tia and Abuella and Papa went with mommy and me. It was the best 3rd birthday ever.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T14:47:00.000-08:00

Here are some pictures from Halloween yesterday. What a day it was....We started the morning at one shopping center and trick or treated there for about 1 hour. We left had lunch, took a nap ad then went to another mall for trick or treating there. We spent a little over an hour there and then we went home. It was time for dinner and then off to trick or treating in the neighborhood. Well I thought she had enough, boy was I wrong. 2 1/2 hours later and a haunted house (not really haunted) but it was definitely awesome later we finally called it a night. It was so cute, she would ring the door bell and start saying trick or treat before they even answered. Then once they answered not a word out of her except thank you when she got her candy. I bought her the Cinderella shoes that light up, so they looked awesome at night walking around the streets. Anyway, I must be doing something right because she is not asking for the candy. I gave her 2 pieces yesterday and she hasn't asked again.. I told her to do a cute pose and this is what I got.

Happy Halloween

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-11T19:40:00.001-07:00

We went to the pumpkin patch today with Tio and Tia. Johanah had a blast as last year she didn't do much or understand it. This year she is getting into it as we have decorated the house, picked out the costume (Cinderella) and of course practicing how to say "Trick or Treat". I think this year will be totally fun. Anyway, Johanah is still loving her dance lessons, gymnastics and swimming lessons. Her teacher has mentioned that she is talking more and more (in sentences) in Spanish. There are 2 new little girls and they don't speak English so this is an incentive for her to speak Spanish. We have been doing puzzles with the alphabet and we get to the letter "B" and there is a picture of a little boy, Johanah tells me "mommy I like boys" I think I am in trouble :)

First Camping Trip

2009-09-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

Tio Robert and Tia Sara decided that they would love to take Johanah camping this weekend. I of course said be my guest (I think it was actually "are you insane....) but then again I am a 5 star hotel or cruise ship type of person. So off they go for 3 days (and I went to Reno) I was told that Johanah had a blast and got sooooo dirty, you would not recognize her. The pictures look like she was having so much fun and they would like to take her again. The next time will be yosemite, again without me :)

Fun Time in July

2009-07-27T15:48:00.000-07:00

Boy what a month we have had so far. The wedding kicked off the month of July and we have been non stop since. We went to the following places so far: Sesame Street Live, Circus Vargas, the Salinas Rodeo and then the Wiggles. Not that Johanah is spoiled (ha, ha, ha) but can't say she is bored. I still have more fun activities planned so we will see how she does . That is her Tio and Tia in that picture with her. That sippy cup is like her security blanket she goes no where without it. Does she drink out of it, of course not she just needs to carry it everywhere. I am hoping to get rid of it soon.

Flower Girl

2009-07-05T16:37:00.001-07:00

These pictures are from my brothers wedding on July 4, 2009. Johanah was a flower girl and lover her "princess" dress. In fact she got mad when I took it off at 6 p.m. after putting it on at 10 a.m. She got to ride in the limo, pose for pictures and let everyone in church know she was there. After each prayer we would say "Amen" Johanah was a little on the late side saying it and in her nice loud voice so everyone at the back of the church could hear. I was a little embarsed but at least everyone was laughing. Once we got to the reception everyone was toting to her so she was taking in all the attention she could get. Anyway it was a good day and Johanah loved being with her Tio and Tia...

Graduation from DayCare

2009-07-02T12:54:00.000-07:00

This was Johanah's graduation and last day at Daycare prior to moving. She got a diploma for most advanced and improved. The little boy on the left is Pillito (this is her boyfriend) and the boy on the right is Gregory. Johanah and Pillito were always together and when it was time to go home she would give him a hug and kiss. I thought boy are we starting early....

Last weekend at home

2009-07-02T12:47:00.001-07:00

The neighbors all got together to play and enjoy our last weekend at our house. This was the scooter ride that Johanah loved and wanted more of it. Thank god she didn't understand what was going on. The each time I said good-by and started crying she kept asking "What's wrong mommy" I just had to say it was nothing and then she would go on playing. I have a few more ictures to post and then I will save more for after the wedding this weekend of Tio Robert and Tia Sara. Johanah keeps saying that she is going to look like a princess in her dress like Tia Sara. Hopefully I will luck out and she will keep the dress on (she is a flower girl) because up til last week she wanted no part of the dress. Keep you posted

2 years together

2009-05-23T20:02:00.000-07:00

This picture was taken today and the picture of Johanah 2 years ago the day after I got to hold her for the first time. I can't believe it has been 2 years, time flies. Little did I know that when I landed in Guatemala that I would be there for 6 months....But I must say it was the best experience and would not trade it for the world. The month of May is totally a celebrating month for us, Mother's Day, the 15th was are court date (where in California's eyes) she become MINE and of course the day I physically got to hold her and tell her how much I love her.... This has been a hectic month as the house sold and we are packing and moving by the end of the month. Now that I will be living with Mom & Dad, hopefully I will be able to post more to Johanah's Blog.

Enjoy for now

Easter

2009-04-18T19:18:00.000-07:00

It was the most wonderful Easter. Johanah enjoyed coloring the eggs and had no problem finding all the eggs that Tio Robert hid in the backyard. I thru my back-out about 3 weeks ago so I have not been able to lift or carry Johanah, she tells me go to doctor mommy.. It is such a crack-up with the sentences she comes up with. It is now non stop talking and actually making sense. If I don't answer her the correct way I totally get corrected. The newest thing is she needs to get in and out of her car seat by herself (there goes another 10-15 minutes each morning) at this rate I will be getting up at 5:00 a.m, so that I can get to work on time. Johanah has also learned to undo the car-seat buckle, so as I am driving, Johanah says "mommy look I did it", I then have to explain to put it back on, which she does. We have also started with "what's that" and "why" I am totally done with those two. Johanah is now the little helper with dishes, laundry, and cleaning (gotta love it. ) Anyway, in case you haven't noticed the only time I can do any posting's is when mom & dad are here to entertain so the posting aren't that frequent. Anyway, enjoy the pictures.

Spring Time

2009-03-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

Well it has been awhile, but here is an update of Johanah. It has been in the high 60's and last week the mid 70's so we are totally loving playing at the park. Johanah last week started saying her name completely as Johanah Anyeli Brandt it was totally clear and you understood every word. Maria (the daycare lady) also taught her to say my name so now she goes around saying Mommy Sondra. She is also saying Grandpa (instead of papa) and both of my parent's name's. She can also call all the animals by their name as well. Johanah has decided it is best if she picks out what she wears each morning and to dress herself, well on the mornings where I work we both have a battle as I am on a schedule and her dressing herself takes to long, so we try to comprise. I have enrolled her back in gymnastics and the new teacher was impressed that she could do all these things from such a small person. She can walk on the balance beam (almost all the way) without holding on, she can hang on the bar's and pull her feet up to the bar, somersault straight and jump with both feet off the ground (I think the bounce house in our living room helps). In swimming she starting to put legs and arms together for about 1/4 length of the pool, they call her a natural. I am so proud of her I am thinking on of these sports should get her a college scholarship (one can hope). Anyway, here are a few pictures of her at the park and at swim lessons.

2009-03-01T12:07:00.001-08:00

This is my first post and thought for those who we don't see all the time, this will be the best way to keep in touch. Johanah is currently 27 months old, 32 inches and 26 lbs. She is enrolled in Gymnastics, and swimming. Johanah is bilingual and actually the other day recited the alphabet, colors (8 different ones) and can count to 15 in Spanish. She basically only speaks to her mother in English and everyone else gets her spanish language. We were at Walmart the other day and her new word is Frog. Well anyone with kids knows that a 2 year old can't say it exactly like that so it sounds like **** so we are walkig around Walmart and all Johanah is saying is frog mommy frog. Talk about turning 10 sheds of red...Well lets see if this works and will try again later. The pictures are some candid ones of Johanah

2009-02-28T21:32:00.000-08:00