Surprise!!!

Today was like most of the days with Daniela - a bit of a rollercoaster.  We started the day with her pretty much dismissing with disgust anything I offered her for breakfast.  The cereal she has been eating all along she now doesn't like; she is sick to death of the yogurt she's been gobbling up since day one; and let's not even mention the tea!!  She would continually storm off leaving me to shrug my shoulders and telling her "When you figure out what it is you want , let me know."  She wanted regular bread, margarine, regular sausage and regular black tea.  Of course we don't have any of that in the house so we stop at a grocery story on the way to get Laima for the day.

After a series of translation and language issues I determined that "regular sausage" is not sausage at all but rather bologna and "regular bread" is white bread.  We picked up some peaches and apples too.  She seemed to like those.  Then she smiled when we came to the bakery section and pointed at the doughnut case.  One doughnut and one blueberry danish later she was a happy camper.

After we got Laima we headed back home and began making the traditional Latvian birthday cake (which is really more like bread).  It turned out pretty darn good.  Laima assisted in the kitchen and it was very much appreciated.  So it was off to the Adams' house for the party with cake in tow; Daniela has no idea.

There must have been about 30 people there from church.  We are so blessed to have such great friends as they truly practice being God's hands and feet to each other and to the community.  When it came time to sing "Happy Birthday" Daniela had no idea until she heard her name being sung and the cake was placed in front of her.  She smiled quite a bit and really enjoyed the attention and gifts from all.  She especially relished the time with the little kids who came up to her and hugged her and wished her happy birthday.

She accepted some gifts at her 1/2 birthday but did not want to open them. That was fine. It was very sweet to go up to her room when she was at Knoebels with Phil and find wrapping paper everywhere! It looked like Christmas in July. The evidence of her opening every gift was all around - nail polish, body spray, hair thingys, perfect thoughtful gifts from our friends. I could see that she was excited even though she was not even there. It was great!

The rollercoaster ride ended on a high note!