Little Lucia: The Smile

She's THREE -that's over 1095 days old! My father in law Mario sent me a text message on Lu's birthday morning last Saturday and it said "looking forward to year 3 and what new smiles she brings.". There is no question our number one wish is for Lucia to be happy. We of course dream of many things for her future and development but no doubt that we first and foremost want her HAPPINESS! I think that is probably every parents wish.. She is a pleasant little girl but she doesn't give out too many smiles on her own, we could always use more....
Her birthday celebration began how her Saturday mornings often begin, Crossfit with daddy! Jason and I planned to have Lucia baptized on her special day too- A Birthday Baptism in the Park. We believe Lucia IS our angel on earth..and this was something that we had been wanting to do..just waited for the right time. Lucia's music therapist, Sara Wise played her guitar and sang 2 songs, Jason and my dad each gave a nice prayer, our minister Michael Hidalgo of the Denver Community Church baptized Lu and we had intimate gathering with family and a few friends.

After the baptism, we went back to our house to celebrate with champagne, BBQ, cupcakes and a little bird birthday cake my mom ordered from Cake Crumbs bakery. Lucia was in a pleasant mood. Her cousins were there along with some of her friends, including 3 others with PKS- really nice having all the kids together . Just when a few people were about to leave, my niece Charley asked when we were going to do the cake. The timing of her asking couldn't have been better- Thank you Charlita! "Let's do it right now!" I said. So we gathered guests, had Lucia in her new cool Stingray seat in the center of the room and we lit the candles-all three of them! We sang. We sang Happy Birthday to Lucia and I walked the little bird cake with bright candles to my girl. As I got closer it happened. Lucia's face lit up with pure joy and love. She smiled and smiled and shined her spirit like we have never seen her do! We could see every little lower tooth that she usually hides. She loved the singing, she loved the attention, she loved being the birthday girl and she could NOT hide it. She KNEW exactly what was going on! It was THE SMILE heard round the world, at least in our world. Thank you God for that most beautiful, never-to-be-forgotten, firework explosion, tulip filled, awesome, GLORIOUS moment. LUCIA!!!! You were the most beautiful I have ever seen you. It's been said "A smile is the light in the window of your face" Her light was beaming from her soul. Jason and I have watched the video over and over. In the moment we think she stuck that smile for about 10 seconds - a record breaker! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dInigFqwTJ4&sns=em

THE SMILE heard round the world!

Grammy and Scout

Carolyn and Chris, Bob and Kara from Rifle came down, and Elisabeth and Jeremiah from Aurora were all part of Lu's special day!

Three seems to be looking like a good year. We met with the Denver Public School placement team and were happy with the evaluation/assessment for pre-school. Last Thursday we all met again for Lu's IEP ( Individualized Education Plan). When kids have special needs - they receive an IEP. We are happy with the plan! Lubird will attend Palmer Elementary School- about 1 mile away. Her teacher is a male musician/special ed/school psychologist now pre-school teacher-shazaam-sounds pretty darn great! There are two para-professionals as well. The classroom should have 7 typical kids and 7 w special needs. Bird will attend Monday-Friday for 2 1/2 hours. She'll receive therapies and help from the teachers and I'm sure her peers as well! I'm actually so excited for her! Come Fall I might be a nervous Nelly but for now I think it will be great!

After her special birthday with the best smile explosion it was a wish come true! Keep smiling Lu. Keep shining your sweet, gentle, soft soul.
One more bit of action happened on Lucia's birthday...her little sister started to walk! Yes our strong Soldier Scout is officially marching! It was a good, good day. And Mario, I'm so glad your text came true. I hope and pray that Lubird will keep bringing us more and more and more smiles! God Bless our Bird! God bless our beautiful Lucia!