Our Social Girl

It's been a while since I have posted as time has really seemed to fly by since Wil's dad left. Elisa seems to be changing every day. She still has no interest in walking, but has no problem reaching and getting into whatever she wants. She has also become our little social butterfly. Anywhere and everywhere we go she smiles (showing all teeth!) waves and says "hi" to absolutely anyone, even if they aren't looking. She makes me laugh all the time. Whether she is sitting in her chair eating or just playing, she makes a point to cock her head, make eye contact with you and smile. What a joy. I hope this laughter and happiness continues for a while as it is very infectious.

We are also looking forward to a much needed short vacation. In just a few short weeks we are going to Grand Rapids, Michigan to a wedding of a great friend. Julie was a classmate with me at APU (Azusa Pacific) and was my roommate in Thailand and during my summers in California so we became pretty close. We survived many, many master's projects and last minute homework papers together. Let's just say she got me addicted to Starbucks and I helped her not to procrastinate too much during our late nights talks, oh, I mean study sessions. As it turns out, during her stay in China (where she taught English), she met a wonderful British man...and I can't wait to see them tie the knot in Julie's hometown. It will be Elisa's first plane trip of many...

Mr. Don Juan

You know these moments are funny to me, when you have heard a phrase or a word and thought you knew it's meaning and then something happens and you think, "THAT'S what it means?!" It all started as this past week Wil's dad has been visiting us. So, good 'ol Amy has had to practice her very formal spanish. For those spanish speaking gringos out there, you know what it is like to have to switch from using tu and usted all the time. Yes, I know there are times that I have asked Israel (Wil's dad) such things as to "sit down," or "ya wanna drink?" in a very informal way, instead of the typical very formal spanish way of "please have a seat," or "would you like something to drink." And I am sure inside he just smiles at me...thank goodness he kind of likes me since I am the mom of his first grandchild. :)

Anyway, the "ah ha moment" came when I realized last night that in spanish my dad's name is the name of a cigar, beer, some sort of band and basically a casanova. Yes, if you put the title "Don" in front of a man's name it is a title of respect, and then follow it by Don Juan (John, my dad's name). There you have it. My dad (and he never knew it) is a Don Juan! :) It definitely gave several of us a good laugh last night at the Fourth of July BBQ. So that's his new family nickname.

Celebrating One Year

Needless to say, the past year has passed so quickly. We have been busy with a family birthday party on her big day (July 1) and taking Grandpa Israel around to many of the sites here in KC. It's been a blessing to have him here and Elisa loves the extra company. She still just stares at him and smiles when he says good morning every day. I just love to see her interact so much with people. She is such an extrovert! Check out the birthday pictures that I have posted on our flickr account (scroll down to the left).

Meeting Grandpa (Abuelito) Castillo

Wil's dad arrived Friday evening. Elisa has never had a fear of strangers, so she has just been observing very intently the new guest in our household and a new playmate! I will write later. I can't believe one year ago today that we were blessed with the arrival of our little one! Right now, I have to go decorate and get the birthday girl ready.