to my princessa ella

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Hey princess,

…and are you ever. Your siblings often refer to you as iella (they leave out the dan). And since iella, pronounced yella, reminds both your dad and I of Old Yeller, we shortened it one step further to ella. You respond and the kids have picked up on it, but we still mostly call you Daniela. I have to admit though that Ella and Danny are much less confusing than Daniela and Daniel. We will see what you want to be called this week when tio Brian can translate for us. Whenever I went shopping for your clothes I had the feeling that I should buy lots of pink. You love love love it. Like I have said before, you would wear a dress every day if I let you. And why not, right? 

When we were being prepped the day before Presentation Day, I was the most intimidated by your profile. Did you know that? The psychologists made it very clear that you were the one who most needed the love and attention of a mother. Granted, daddy was given the pressure of the three others. But still, you were the only one billed as “complicated.” Are you kidding me? How do you begin to parent complicated? 🙂 Daddy and I laughed about that one for quite awhile. We still shake our heads every day at your bossiness, sassiness, and emotions. But the psychologist also said that you were the most excited out of all of the children about the adoption. You asked many questions and really really wanted to be adopted by us.

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Fun facts about you:

1. You love polla y papas (chicken and potatoes, of any variety). Whenever a meal is to your liking you say, “insert person who cooked the meal” and wink while giving a thumbs up and nodding.

2. You love babies. Above is a pic of you and Mimi. She is three and you love her. You also love to carry around her baby brother, Gabriel. You’ll be a good little babysitter one day.

3. You can shake your hips like nobody’s business. And yet, you have no sense of timing. When we were clapping along to a song at the dog show you couldn’t keep the time and rhythm for the life of you. It was hilarious because I knew what a good little dancer you are. Oh well, you are only six, right?

4. You love to help clean the house. You would rather stay home and help with the laundry and dishes than go to the park or other places most days. I will enjoy it while it lasts. You like the individual attention it affords, but you also thrive on positive praise particularly centered around accomplishing house tasks–that is how you were praised and recognized at the orphanage.

5. You can scream louder than any child I have ever met.

6. Most nights you need extra cuddles and snuggles, but sometimes you do not want anyone touching you. The trick is that we still cannot read which one you want, and sometimes I think you do not even know. Hence the complicated comment. I am hoping that Uncle Brian can also help with this one. I just need you to understand in Spanish that if you need extra mommy time at night, you just need to ask. I think that will help a lot.

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6 comments

  1. Dresses or skirts everyday is about all the girls around our house wear everyday…except for Lyndie who quickly strips off her diaper if it is not covered! Sunday was her first day in nursery and she quickly took her diaper off because I forgot to put panties on her! I love learning about your little ones! Thank you again for sharing your wonderful adventure with all of us!

  2. I LOVE the first picture of her! What attitude! I hope that the communication continues to improve. I am sure that all of these emotions are tough for a 6 year old to process! Especially a princess 6 year old!

  3. She is from my own heart and yours! Trust me! She wants to be a independent princess but can’t decided when she wants to be waited on or when she wants to do it herself. Complicated isn’t the word, I prefer indecisive. 🙂 She is the type that will never ask for the extra love, cuddles and hugs. It isn’t a language barrier. You will just have to learn to read her signs as your mom has done for you and me. You will just know because it appears she is just like you. She is definitely your daughter.

  4. I love her she is just like her auntie Jaimee!! As you call her little jaimee… I take it as a compliment!! I have a feeling she’s gonna be my fav when I meet them in person!! But ssshhh don’t tell the others! Hope Brians first day wasn’t too bad, hope he’s a good help around there! love you guys, xoxoxo

  5. You said it all Rachel. She has brought her Abelita great joy with her attitude. She has a special place in my heart as you well know mom. I have no doubt that your love will wrap her when she is sad and when she is happy. You now have begun to understand the love of a mom and the frustration at times it brings but the overwhelming love that you possess from each of children. They are all so different and will bring you different kinds of experiences. I feel so privileged to have been there in your first moments, days and weeks. I miss my little ninos but know they are in very good hands. Don’t be to hard on your mama my little Daniella, you have a lifetime to frustrate her!

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