Two "VERY" Esteemed Visitors

Yesterday, we were honored by the presence of two VERY esteemed visitors in our home. Miss Elena and Miss Abby. These are my niece Jackie's two precious daughters. Jackie has been in the states for nearly a month, but this was only the second time I've had a chance to be with the babies. I was honored with caring for them for the entire day while their mommy and daddy spent the day with a rodent who is very popular here in Florida. You may have heard of him. His name is Mickey Mouse! Yep, they went to Disney World, Magic Kingdom with a large group of adults. They figure it best to take the girls when they are a little older and really give a hoot. LOL

Elena reminds me SO VERY much of her mommy, Jackie. She is Miss Personality! She walked into my house beaming ear to ear and bursting out with, "Hi Tia Pam!" I lifted her up to squeeze and greet her. We both began giggling and just staring into each other's eyes. She finally looked away and told her mommy, "Tia Pam is funny!" Elena is talkative, happy, bubbly and giggly until you mention "night night" or "nap" or the terrible word "Sleep"!!! She and Abby are so close, even at their young ages. Abby is a more subdued child than Elena, with her personality being polar opposite it seems, than that of her older sister. She is a cuddler and very calm baby, with the most gorgeous blue eyes you've ever seen.

It melted my heart when at the end of the day, I was trying to soothe and comfort Abby after their baths. Abby was so, so tired but didn't want to be in the portacrib. Tears and screams ensued! I picked little Abby up out of the crib, wrapped her in her blankie and began to rock with her on the side of my bed. She calmed some but when I called Elena in, you should have seen the sweet contentment come over Abby. It was a remarkable moment for me as I watched Elena lean into Abby's face and start rubbing her cheek while cooing and soothing as we mommies do. Abby in turn began playing with Elena's hair and smiling as she sucked the thumb of her unoccupied hand. I started singing "Jesus Loves Me" to Abby. Elena chimed right in with a very soft, tender voice. Tears began to flow down my face as I realized these two precious bundles will be leaving the states in less than a week! This was probably my last time alone with them for Lord knows how many years. This went on for about 10 minutes, at which time the Grandparents arrived to take the girlies home with them. I'm very thankful for the opportunity of bonding with my great-nieces.

Elena playing happily.
The girls both LOVED Shane's Fisher Price Rail & Road Trax. Elena especially enjoyed flying and landing the helicoptor on the heli pad! Baby Abby enjoyed getting in the way and playing with the little police car which lit up when you turned on the siren.
Fun in the garage!
Some time was dedicated to bonding with Tio Agustin!
Shane enjoyed showing Elena how to build a restaurant with Legos.
Abby Girl!
I didn't have a high chair, so this is how I fed Abby, on the counter!
She LOVED my spaghetti!
We had more important things to do today besides making our beds!