Getting our groove back?

Things seem to be looking up. Again, I'll believe it all when I see it -- but a feeling of hope really brightens your day.

And today was a bright day. L. woke up earlier than she had been over the last few days.

She actually cried a little for her "mama" and "papa," and I soothed her and told her I knew she missed them. I've been referring to me and Glenn as "mommy" and "daddy" to differentiate.

Even though I was pretty tired, I was hopeful that the earlier rising time would mean an earlier bedtime.

After breakfast, we headed to the Los Próceres mall, which is about 4 blocks away and much bigger than the Fontabella Plaza (if not as chi-chi).

We walked all three floors, very slowly, looking at all the stores (although most weren't open yet). We actually saw families with strollers - something I never see during the weekday in the business-heavy area of Zone 10 (not a lot of residences here).

On the third floor of Los Proceres is a little arcade with lots of kiddie rides. Yeah! I got a few tokens and L rode something like 6 different rides. She loved it!

We were just sitting down for a cookie and some espresso when I got a text from "Gina" our facilitator saying she was at the hotel. I called her to meet me at the mall. This is all detailed in my short update from earlier today.

After the mall, we headed to the supermarket to buy something for lunch & dinner. L. fell asleep on the way to there, so not boding well for naptime later.

Lunch was bean soup (from a can) with rice. Man, I miss Glenn's cooking. But hey, L. ate it up so that's a good thing, no?

Naptime, what naptime? She was having none of it. I dozed a bit as she played on the bed. But after about an hour or so of that I gave up.

She played very quietly while I got online and checked e-mail, etc. Then we played some online games from Baby TV and Discovery Kids.
I was too tired for our usual afternoon excursion. So I watched a little TV as she played.
Then I started my chicken stew -- she watched as I chopped vegetables.

I let that cook for about an hour, and she was starting to get fussy. So I pulled out the sticker book I brought with me. She hadn't really seen if before and was facinated with layering the stickers one on top of the other.

Dinner was a real hit. She ate like ALL the chicken. I ended up with skin and bones, literally. She is going to be so loving it when she had some of Glenn's roast chicken.

Then a bath in her little bathtub. I am so glad I bought that thing! She loves the water and I don't have to try to wash her in the shower.

Bedtime was really easy tonight. She even told me I didn't need to be in the room as she chilled a bit with the "Backyardigans" and then "Lazy Town" (I really like the former, hate the latter).

I came back and she was really mellow. The highlight of the day came when she touched her hand to her chest and said "Lisbeth" and then touched it to my chest and said "mommy." Shehas said mommy to me before -- but this time seemed the most direct and definite! Oh how wonderful!

When she fell asleep at 7:30, I was gleeful! I will have some time of my own tonight (and not too late)

Talked to both Glenn and my friend Aileen tonight. I'm just basking in the good vibes of today. Who knows what tomorrow will bring, but I can worry about it then.