Messy

I always said that I didn't want my life to be easy. I didn't want my life to be all neat and planned out. Well, that wish was certainly granted!

Here we are leaving the hospital. This was our third load. But it was still easier than lugging things home from the store in the Ukraine!

First, for the big news! Victoria is finally home! We left the hospital at 7 pm, but we didn't made it home until after midnight last night thanks to the perky pharmacist at CVS. She didn't bother to mention that she hadn't received the prescription from the hospital until after I had been there for an hour.
"Isn't that it, sitting there on the fax". I asked sweetly.
"Oh yeah. We'll have it ready in a minute", she grinned evilly.

Another hour past. Desperate measures were called for. I summoned my troops.
"Isabella, get me a giant Butterfinger and some Skittles".

"Anastasia, find me some Doritos, run, don't walk. RUN!!!!", I hollered.

I yanked open the bag with my teeth and approached the pharmacist again.
"My baby just got our of the hospital, can you hurry?" I tried to smile.
"Well, there are a lot of other people who are waiting too." she sneered.

I tried to be patient and polite.

Finally, she called my name. I spilled Doritos everywhere in my rush to the cashier.
"Your child's name isn't showing up on your insurance, so you can't get the medicine.", she informed me.
"Aren't antibiotics supposed to be free anyway?" I inquired politely.
"Not here".

Clearly, patient and polite wasn't getting me anywhere. I don't even remember exactly what I said, but in two minutes we were out the door and the pharmacist had Dorito cheese stuck to her jacket.

But, I digress.

See the picture of Victoria at the top of my blog? That is an actual smile, not a grimace! I really didn't think she would ever smile. Everyone said, "she will blossom", and "give her time", but deep down I really thought Victoria was going to be the one child who didn't flourish. I was prepared for her to stay the same, always. But, she is shining. Even the doctors thought she couldn't move her mouth much, but today she was sticking things in her mouth, like a real baby!

She is babbling and watching my face and trying to copy me. She just never had anyone to mimic before. She is kicking her little legs with excitement. Bowls of Lucky Charms (man, I really missed those rainbow marshmallows!) are sailing off the table with a swift pull of her little finger.

She isn't crying constantly, for hours and hours. Her eyes are peaceful.

My son walked by me in the hallway today and said, "Mom, you look old."
You bet! It's from all of my growing experiences!

I have so much more to write (stay tuned to find out who screamed for 10 hours on the plane) and so many wonderful people to thank! Never in my life have I had the privilege to meet so many amazing people! My heart is overflowing, much like Francesca's cheeks!