Saturdays.

I love Saturdays. When I worked shift work, Saturdays didn't mean much to me. I was often working or sleeping. I worked and slept a lot when I had shifts, but I always had so many days off and that is what I loved! I still miss the fact that I can't take off when I want to. But it sure makes my Saturday's precious!

Yesterday I went to visit the Los Gozosos home. That is the Home I volunteered at for 5 months starting in October of 2009. I hadn't visited in just over a year and I was missing the kids and the staff. I knew Gaby and Leidy wouldn't be there (both recently passed away) so I knew it would be a little hard.

I spent the afternoon with them and had so much fun! They were watching movies and so it was relaxed. I got to take pictures and visit with the staff. It was so good to see how each child had progressed in behaviors or their physical capabilities.

Andres has grown a lot! He can sit up by himself much better now and he is definitely easy to make smile with a little tickle to the belly. :)

Daniel has grown about a foot! He has the longest and skinniest legs. He is 14 years old now (I think). He also sounds like a man. His voice is so deep it scared me! And yet he is just as sweet as ever. It was cute to hear his grown up voice singing along to Sesame Street. :)

What a goof!

Helen and Andrea where much better behaved. Especially Andrea! I couldn't believe when she was told to sit properly and she did! Of course, it didn't last long, but she did it whenever told. I was amazed! I would still love to hear her talk more.

Rosy was walking much better and also behaving better too. She also developed a sense of rhythm. More or less. She was dancing! Sort of. ;)

I'm pretty sure Nancy remembered me. She was the one that I had written off before as not understanding anything. She sits and constantly makes a noise somewhere between a scream and a groan and a laugh. It gets louder with excitement but only stops when she is sleeping. So when I told her I was leaving last time, she actually stopped the noise and looked right up at me. It stunned me. She understood what I had said. Rule #1. Never, never NEVER underestimate the kids you are working with. She touches people briefly with her hand when she knows someone and likes them. She started off with her soft brief touch but after a couple of minutes sitting beside her and talking she was grabbing my arm with a lot of force and holding on for much longer. That is why I think she remembered me. :)

Candy. As cute as ever.

Helen's comprehension is much, much better. I actually felt like we were communicating this time. And she is funny! Even though there are still very few words that she speaks. And she can still bust a move! :)

Pretty sure Goldie remembered me. She wouldn't go away from me! And she was definitely more aggressive in asking for a attention. And man she stunk! She really needed a bath. I told the ladies that both Goldie and I had gained weight over the last year. :)

It was a very good day. Being a Saturday, I knew they would be eating tamales for dinner so I was trying to leave before dinnertime. They caught me! They had bought an extra one for me so I had to eat it. I really don't like them. But, this one was a different kind and was made of potatoes. So much better! So I was glad I stayed. :)

Then I went home and made this:

Perfect way to end the night, I'd say.

Have a great week all of you!