Beach Day!!

Wanted to share a special day that we had with Sofia yesterday.

Let me start my telling you that Sofia loves the beach!! I hate to admit that she's only been a couple of times but when she goes she's in heaven. For the past 4 months Sofia has been asking us weekly if we can go to the beach. Given that we have been lying low and it has been rainy we have been waiting.

Last month after Sofia shaved her head my dear friend and photographer, Jessie Salas, texted me right away and said she wanted to take her picture. Jessie had just done our newborn shoot weeks before the diagnosis, and we were also together just the day before diagnosis watching our girls at dance class. Our two girls met at Barre3 childcare and hit it off immediately. It's because of them that we have become such great friends. 

So with the sun shining and Sofia feeling good, we made the last minute plan. A beach photo shoot. I was hoping for sunny but we were blessed with 80 degrees and crystal blue skies. On Monday I told Sofia we were all going somewhere special when we woke up. She wanted a hint so she could guess. After a couple of guesses she said the beach. I just looked at her and smiled. Then she yelled "the beach, really!" She was so excited!

We woke up early and took a precautionary zofran, as we didn't want any "special presents" (that's what we started calling throw up after she threw up on my face while I was sleeping on valentines morning. When she was done she said I'm sorry, I feel better now. I said was that my extra present for today and she cracked up!). She started asking if we were there yet about 3 minutes into the drive and didn't stop until we arrived. Jessie and her three kids were there which made it even better. 

Jessie took the pics, the kids played and Mike and I just watched. She was so happy! After the pictures she didn't want to leave so we drove to another beach where we could let the waves hit our feet and dig in the warm sand. We then stopped into the restaurant where our friends were having breakfast so we could say goodbye. A few quick giggles from the kids and we were off.

Last night she said, today was a great day, mom. It truly was! And because Jessie is amazing she already sent me a sneak peak. I can't wait to see the rest. 

I wanted to write about this day so Sofia can someday read about the emotions behind those photos. Jessie, thank you for capturing her spirit!!