Isabella thinks she knows now how it feels like to be a mommy

On the way back home from picking up Squeaker

To the doctor who told my mommy when I was born, that I wouldn't live long enough to get to be a teenager (I have no clue why a stupid doctor would say that). Here I am, 46 years old and I just came back from a forty minutes’ walk with my daughter’s new dog on a 33 degrees Fahrenheit temperature, wearing no coat, but a sweatshirt. Didn't plan on that but Squeaker actually is the one who took me for that long walk. The short legged one is fast as a lighting. Whew, I survived LOL

Yeah, I am very proud of myself and proud of believing that God is the only one who knows the time He has given to each one of us to be here in this planet.

I am so glad I got to convince my husband to adopt a small dog for Isabella. 

Everything was decided last minute, like everything else in this household. Sunday when I saw the ad on Craigslist of a lady looking for a good family for her tiny Chihuahua.

Squeaker and grandma

 I looked at the picture and fell in love with Squeaker. She is 2 years old and house broken. I thought maybe this is what we need, not a puppy who needs a lot of training but a young dog. Isabella has been begging for a puppy for quite a while but, my husband had not recovered yet from the last time we got two Boston terrier puppies and a month later I had to go through my open heart surgery. Recovering from a procedure like that having to care of a young daughter, my business and two puppies, wasn't an easy task for me. We had to give them away for adoption… I know we broke our daughter’s heart but at that time, it was the smartest decision to take. I guess I never forgave myself for that since when I was a child, I grew up having not only one or two but many dogs and cats. How could I deny my daughter the same thing I had?

Now that we adopted Squeaker, I know she will needs lots of TLC cause she doesn't have any paper saying what shots she has had or vitamins or whatever, she has not been fixed yet, it’s going to be a lot of work but I know it is going to be worth of it.

Squeaker and Grandpa

Isabella has been a great “mommy” taking care of her Squeaker and last night she told me the sweetest thing ever. By the end of the day, I could tell she was really tired, and so was I, she came to me and said: - Mommy, today I haven’t had time to read a book or play my games on the computer, now I can say that I really know how it feels like to be a mommy... she sighed 

This morning before she left to school, she passed to be the great responsibility of babysitting her dog: "You are the babysitter now mommy, be careful!"

Life is a beautiful thing. I guess that not planning anything, just trusting our guts and  and letting God lead the way is the best way to live life…

So many things to be thankful for this year...

At the Lincoln Museum

We are in the month of  November and Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  I am seeing all my Facebook friends with the things in their life which they are thankful.  I am thankful for everyday that I am able to get out of bed and thankful for everything God has given to me. 

This year though, I have so many things to be thankful for… Of course I am thankful for the everyday things, kids, family, friends, Customers, business, First Birthday Dresses but what I am thankful for the most this year is…  God has given me the tools to turn one of my parent’s dreams into a reality. My mom has always been afraid of flying, my dad has always wanted to but, oh well, they could never afford it, so early this year; I called my mom and daddy and told them to go have their passport done because they would be coming to visit us in the USA.

Going for a walk

 Their answer was oh we wish we could but it’s so expensive! I told them to go and I would take care of everything, paid for their visas, ticket and even paid for a friend’s ticket for her to come with them, just to make sure they would be fine since they don’t speak English. I had no clue where I would get all that money since they were traveling during one of the most expensive times of the year to fly. NO, I did not have the money for all that but….I knew I was smart enough to figure out a way to pay for the trips without going into debt. And I would do it honestly and legal. LOL .  And I did!! 

 God has given me the strength to believe that everything would be fine. I was obviously very nervous because my mom’s fear of flying and her health issues.  

My mom caught a nice size fish

I am so thankful that I got to do this for my parents… Watching them walking in downtown Springfield square, my father would tell my mommy; “When in this world would we think that someday we would be here in the USA”? That brought tears to my eyes. I was so happy. I know I didn't have the money to take them to other parts of the US while they were here, but just being here with me and my family was grand enough for them.  My daddy has never been in a fishing boat before but God provided.  

This smile made it all worth of it

One of my Customers who is a fisherman chaperoned my daddy and mommy during a nice fishing adventure. I don’t think they caught any whales but they sure had a great time!!  I am so thankful that we had friends over to celebrate my daddy’s 66th years of life. We had a pool party and cake. My daddy wasn't expecting people to come and bring him gifts because nobody knew him. Oh but, what my daddy didn't know was that his daughter has the best friends in the world. They came over and brought him some nice gifts that he will cherish forever. His only wish was " I wish I knew how to speak English so that I could talk to everybody here" :))

Mom and Daddy with friends

My mom’s dream was to go and visit her church in Chicago, IL.  I wasn't sure about going but I was going to do anything that would make her happy, so we took them to Chicago one day before their departure. I went with them to the Church and I can’t describe to you how happy they both were for visiting their church in the USA and having me with them.  Yeah… I am one of their black sheep who stopped going to the church. So my dear friends, I am SO THANKFUL for turning my parents dream reality.

Going to the church with mom and daddy

I am also thankful for my son, his wife and my granddaughter moving close to my parents in Brazil. I am thankful that they are now close to their family and the ones who really love them. Yeah, that is another dream I want to turn into reality, bring my son and his little family to visit us in the USA, they are young and can wait a bit longer I guess.  

I am thankful for getting back to my workout routine and for trying to get back to my normal weight again, for my heart sake.  I will thank God and my heart will thank me 

I think that even if I spent the entire day here being thankful, I would not have time to describe all the things I am thankful for… God is amazing and so is the life He gave me…

My daddy birthday cake

Oh I can’t forget that I am so thankful for Victoria Secrets as well… Oh no… here comes that Zee that has to come up with something weird to be thankful for. I know, I shouldn't be doing free advertising for a big retailer like them but I have never found a local regular bra that has helped me so much when I am at my normal weight… Yeah... You know… when we lose weight, the “girls” are the first things to go… LOL.  I know Bello…Too much information here, but, I just cant deny that I am so thankful for Victoria Secrets…I’ll hush….for now.  :)
Have a great day kids and keep on being thankful!!!!!

God bless

Zee

www.myfirstbirthdaydress.com

Trying to get back to the normalcy

Hi there! It’s been a while since I have posted here.

I had my parents visiting from Brazil, they were here for a month and we had lots of fun but, I've gotten so swamped with my work. Unfortunately I couldn't take the entire month to enjoy their visit to Springfield, IL, but trying to jungle in between work and given them some attention.

At the beginning of their stay at our home, it was really hectic, Customers calling, coming in out all the time, I was feeling kind of lost but, things got better. Isabella, my 7 years old daughter had some fun time at the pool with her grandparents but, the language barrier really sucked. They don’t speak English and Isabella doesn't speak Portuguese so, it was a little confusing for her.

The best part of their trip, was being able to give my daddy a party to celebrate his 66 years. He was so happy and excited with our friends coming to say happy birthday and enjoy some good food with us. I love my daddy :) My mommy and daddy also went fishing, we went to the church and did some nice things together. 

What I didn't know is that my Daddy's dream was to be able to fly on a plane. He had never flown before. It made me feel very good inside, knowing that I was able to turn one of my daddy's dream come true..

My parent’s visit has taught me something very important. I REALLY need to teach my daughter the Portuguese Language. Poor thing couldn't communicate very well with grandpa. Actually, I think we all should teach our kids another Language because it will make their life much easier in the future.

Oh right, now that I am back to normal life, I am keeping on embroidering my First Birthday Dresses and hoping that the economy will get better soon so that I will be able to sell more of them. It’s my treat to myself, stop once in a while and enjoy sometime embroidering each one of my little dresses.

Juliana has still been helping me with the website and I am so happy about that… One less thing to worry about.

Yesterday, after I had a dress sold on my website, I realized that my customers didn't know they could have their dresses personalized for free with their baby’s name, so, I had to make some changes to the website. I hope it will bring me more Customers :)

I intend to start posting more often now that life is getting back on track and finding out more way to help the moms celebrating their babies First birthday! It’s a very special occasion and an important milestone in a child’s life, celebrate their First Year of life.

Here are some pictures of my parents visit

You all have a great day and enjoy life 

Blessings

Zee

Thank you Lord for this precious day....

Hi there...

it's 7:49 PM and I have replied to my last email of the day. I am ready to finally rest. This has been the second day  with my helper and I think I have been working harder than before LOL

I guess it will take a while for me to get used with this idea... It's really strange... I am not sure if I like the idea yet... We will see...

It's kinda scary... I am not sure how to explain this feeling... Debbie is a very nice lady and seems to know what she is doing but, of course some mistakes always happens. So, now, I am going to rest on my couch and fix the mistakes... As my mommy says "I am going to rest while I  carry some stones" LOL My mommy comes up with the funniest sayings... I love her :)))

Today I have embroidered a First Birthday dress that turned out just BEAUTIFUL. I love embroidering my little dresses... Have I already told you that? LOL They are just like a blank canvas where I can use my imagination... dream with the little baby who is going to wear it... So precious... :))))

Thank you Lord for one more day you has given to me, thank you Lord for being with me and protecting me  all the time.

God be with you and your family,

Have a great evening :))

The CraZee Lady next door .... LOL

Georgia is on my mind as well Ray Charles :)))

 

I am so glad that I have finally sent one of My First Birthday Dresses to Georgia State today! Wooooo Hoooooo. So far, California and Florida have been the two States that buy my little dresses the most. Of Course I can’t forget, Texas, Virginia, New York, Alaska and many other States but, this was the first one to Georgia! It put a big smile on my face. Thanks Mom for choosing My First Birthday Dress to your little princess! Now Georgia is going to be always on my mind too Ray Charles! :))

I wish you had an idea how much I enjoy embroidering these little birthday dresses... I wish I could embroider them all the time, make it my full time job, but I consider this type of work my hobby, I still can’t make a living selling them... 

I surely appreciate every minute I spend working in each one. I enjoy embroidering the Baby girl's name on them, imagining her little face and praying that God always keep her healthy and safe always. My excitement is not just when I sell them but when YOU mommy send me a picture of your baby so that I can have her on my website. When YOU receive the little dress that I embroidery especially for your little one, when I finally know for sure that you are satisfied with what you've gotten, that is the time when I celebrate the most :). I pray that I keep up the good work and pray that I keep you mommies always happy with the talent that God gave to me.

OK, I need to share this nice thing that happened the other day. Isabella, my daughter has a little girl friend who lives down the street, they play together almost every single day. She is a cute, delicate and adorable Chinese little girl named Lydia. The other day, our doorbell rang and when we checked it was Lydia and her mommy. They were coming back from their church where Lydia won a scooter and a box of skittles. She already had one and she didn't like skittles instead keeping them, she decided that she was going to give to Isabella. How sweet is that? Isabella's scooter broke the other day and both couldn't ride their scooters together no more so, when she won that one she was so happy that she could to give Isabella and both would be able to ride together again.  I thought that was the nicest gesture ever, coming from a little child.  What amazes me, after Lydia and her mommy left our home, Isabella decided to make her a "Thank You" Card and went upstairs to get her crayons.  She came back with brand new box of the littlest pet shops, her favorite toys. Her grandma brought them from Florida to her but she already had that one so, she said: - Here mommy, I am giving this to Lydia, I really appreciate what she just did for me and I am going to help her with her Littlest Pet Shop collection as well. It reminded me about a movie I watched once, "Pay it forward" I loved that movie, we do something nice to somebody and what happens next? It comes right back to us :))) I am so glad I could watch this happening right in front of me with my daughter while she is still a little girl.  Well my friends, it's time to put my legs up for a while on my favorite couch :))

I have a terrible sinus infection and only God knows how I was able to work today. Thank you Lord for giving me the strength when I need... God bless each one of you... AMEN

 

 



Forever thankful for what I have

 

Hi there :)

How has your  day been so far? I haven't accomplished everything I wanted to get accomplished today... Oh well there will always be tomorrow...

Do you think so? We wish we could be so sure about tomorrow, we hope that tomorrow will come, but, for now all we have is the precious present, the "right now".The future is uncertain... I feel like I haven't accomplished too much today but, at the same time I am so glad that all the work that I have done today, all my embroideries, my precious First Birthday Dresses, my house chores, being a mother, wife, etc. All that I have accomplished today was well done. That is the most important thing.

Right now, when I just switched off all my machines, I am having a little time to myself and I don't want to think about tomorrow. So, I need to learn how to turn off my brain for the rest of the evening and relax.

We had a wonderful weekend also. We got Isabella's new bedroom painted and new carpet installed, she feels so happy and thankful. For the first time she finally has gotten a bigger room that is not cluttered. I have never seen her so happy, since she got back from school I have heard three times so far... "Oh mommy, I love my new room" :)) It feels good to know that our little one appreciates what she gets, it was worth of all the hard work, all the paint in my hair, the stress of  having all that furniture in the hallway... My little girl is happy and if she is happy, mommy happy as well :)

At this moment, I feel so thankful as well for the gift of being able to work from home, to be able to pick my daughter up when she leaves school, having her coming to my room and talk to me once in a while. I think every mommy in this world deserves this gift and then I feel so lucky that I have it.

Many people has asked me if I  have never thought about having a store front and get my business out of my home. Who doesn't want to get bigger? Of course I do but, not until Isabella enjoys my company. Maybe when she is older and doesn't want me around no more, then, I will think about that, but, right now, I am happy and thankful that God has given me this opportunity. Thank You Lord for everything you have given to me and thank you for this day. Rainy or sunny, cold or hot, as long as I am alive, It will always be a wonderful day no matter what.

Thank you for my Family and friends. Thank you for my wonderful customers and my business...

Lets let the evening begin :))) SMILE :)))))))) Life is  good...

God bless,

Zee