Baptism Day

This weekend we had the great honor of officially presenting Valentina to the Catholic church.  We have provided and cared for her for more than seven months, but baptizing her, in an odd way, made us truly feel like parents.

While we would have liked our families to be here on this special day, we appreciate the prayers they sent from Texas.  Valentina is lucky to have an amazing group of Aunties, Tias and Uncles in DC that joined her in the celebration.  She is especially blessed Luke and Kristin accepted the responsibility of being her God Parents and that they are back in the DC area.  Adrian and I admire them as parents and know they'll be a trusted source for Valentina when she has questions or wants a second opinion.

Thank you to our friends and family who joined us!  And, thank you to Adrian for feeding us all!

Mrs. Hoster Goes to Washington

This weekend we were so happy to welcome Catriona to DC.  Catriona and I have known each other since the first week of our freshman year at Texas A&M.  We were suitemates and have shared many special memories.  Valentina must have known Catriona is family because she smiled as soon as she saw her.  

On Saturday we had a touch of spring.  We went to swim class together and spent the afternoon in Old Town.  Akira got in on the action too and joined us for a walk on the National Mall.  For dinner we went to visit Miguelito at Acre 121.

Though winter continues to show its annoying head, we took Catriona to experience a taste of summer at Cantler's Riverside Inn in Annapolis.  We had crabs and are now really craving crab season (not so sure Catriona feels the same way about crabs though).  The snow flurries came early so we used the cold as a good reason to stay in and have some bubbly.  

Monday morning we woke up to way more snow than we were expecting, 7.2 inches to be exact.  Catriona was the only person in the DC area excited about it so she frolicked in the snow after our manicure and pedicure.  (Side note:  Although I really want spring, there is something very magical about snow in DC.  For some amazing pictures of the city, check this website out.)  Chef Tamez cooked us another amazing dinner of salmon, butternut squash soup, fingerling potatoes and swiss chard.  I think he was trying to entice Catriona to stay longer, but she had to head back to Texas.  

We had the best time with Catriona, especially Valentina and Akira who were more sad than me about her leaving.  Come back Catriona!!

 

Best Buds
 

 

Taking a stroll down the National Mall

 

At Cantler's eating some crabs

Lunch Time!

  

Getting a pedicure while Catriona got a manicure.  Valentina wanted to sit with me... a sign, I am sure, of what is to come.

Zoo-venture

The day was absolutely gorgeous so Adrian and Valentina went on an adventure to the zoo.  We just became Friends of the National Zoo members so now we will be going all the time.  Valentina saw the elephant exhibit then the pandas.  After that she rode the panda on the carousel.  Little by little she'll see the zoo.

Bao Bao's Dad

Daddy and Valentina Selfie

Not so impressed with the carousel

7 Month Photo Shoot

It is a few days late, but we were finally able to get Miss V to pose for her 7 month pictures.  She was a little under the weather on her actual birthday, so we didn't want to ask for too much.  At 7 months Valentina is now sitting up when assisted, has two teeth and her little manitas get their hands on everything in reach.

Akira Photo Bomb

Swim Class

Today Valentina had her first swim class.  Her first few minutes she was a little uneasy but in no time was splashing and kicking away.  During her first class she sang The Wheels on the Bus, Tic Tock and Humpty Dumpty.  The instructor said she was a natural in the water so here's hoping she continues to like being in the water.

4 Years

When looking at the calendar today I kept second guessing my simple math of  14-10=4. Adrian and I celebrating four years of marriage was hard to comprehend because it just seems like yesterday we were vowing to love each other unconditionally forever. I guess it's easy to be married when your best friend is at your side. 

To join in the festivities Valentina had some banana and raspberries. She made some food art too. 

7 Months

This little girl is so awesome!  Happy 7 Month Birthday to her!

Weekend Recap

We kicked off March welcoming the Cunicos to town. The "Girls that brunch" and our families all met up at the Kormans for a grown up dinner (thanks Adrian). We had such a blast catching up and shared many laughs with our DC family.  We even got to FaceTime with Michelle!  

Valentina and Harrison hanging out...

...Until he remembers that girls have coodies. 

Smiles with Auntie Kerry

The woman that will teach Valentina not all Latinas are Mexican

Uncle Cunico

When Angie and Chris got married, Valentina was in my belly.  This is her first picture with the newlyweds.

Don't be surprised if you see this picture in the next Korman for Delegate Campaign Ad

Tia Jana has the best jewelry!

A visit to the Dr

Although we knew this day would come, Adrian and I were hoping we didn't have to deal with a sick Valentina for a long, long time.  She went to visit her Doctor and weighed in at 16 lbs 13 oz. After checking her out and listening to her lungs, her Dr said it was just a cold. We are grateful there is no ear infection, but it's still painful to see her uncomfortable. She's been a trooper, though, and still mostly giggles. Her biggest request is more snuggle time which neither Adrian or I mind. 

We are also discovering how quickly little humans can pass germs along. I went down for the count today but after staying home and sleeping, I'm feeling better. 

Now we start the Lysol party. 

Doing her best jazzercise impression. 

She loves bananas.

Smiling our germs away. 

Proof Adrian isn't always strict about nap time in the crib. I'm guilty of wanting to hold her as she sleeps so I was happy to add Adrian to the sucker club.