Soleil at her finest!

After an Oreo extravaganza...and PROUD!

Daddy and Soleil dancing to Bob Marley in the living room one night. She totally has rhythm and even lifts her legs for emphasis. This couldn't make us happier considering we are HUGE Bob fans.

Being pushed on the swing does make the world go around!

Further proof that she is not the angel she has led you all to believe!

This swingset has been worth every penny. We spend every afternoon outside.

Watch out, camera! Slobber straight ahead.

These pictures were taken one afternoon after a popsicle fiasco. Daddy put Soleil in her first Bob Marley shirt, which we like. However, I cannot say that I didn't twitch a little when I saw the bold stripes and pastel flowers together. That being said, I have learned since the accident to let all those petty things go and just to enjoy the TIME you have together, rather than the fashion!

Trying on professions, one at a time!

This picture is proof that Soleil's Bahamian roots have come through with strength! Why, you ask? Most cashiers in The Bahamas have this look down to an art. And don't you DARE wake them from their naps!

Papa and Soleil made BIG bubbles.

Cutie pies Morgan and Milena Grammatico loved flying the plane. Soleil, however, wanted nothing to do with it...just like her mother!

Our friends, Marcus and Marcella, visited Florida recently and we met up at this wonderful museum, Childrens Museum of Highlands. Darrin and Marcus have been friends for about 25 yrs!!!

Milena and Soleil working the orange juice machine.

Chefing it up in the Middle Eastern kitchen! Mummy needed a lesson, too!

Giving a private piano concert.

Soleil tried on a construction worker's hat...hope that was enough for her. That is HARD work!

A Sugar Lump in February!

Happy-Go-Lucky!

Making statements together- Daddy sporting an Obama shirt while Soleil models a Bob Marley shirt.

Bonding with Bella in the backyard.

Channeling Pippy Longstocking !

Inventing a new use for my therapy tool...megaphone.

Papa and Soleil share many laughs and much love !

Soleil Eve in the garden of Eden! This was taken after a particularly intense painting session.

An art extravaganza! Soleil enjoys using her easel...and occasionally, eating paint.

No, not a future bank robber. Soleil trying on Daddy's tam on one especially cold day!

Loving on Bella, for once!

Ready to roll ...Soleil loves to catch rides in the wheelchair.

Putting on a pre-church concert, using the ice cream microphone.

It has now been over three months since the accident and one of the best things to come out of it is that fact that I have spent every day with Soleil. I feel so lucky to see her every day. We have taken advantage of it by spending many hours outside and engaged in fun activities like painting, blowing bubbles, gardening, playing with Papa and reading.

She is talking even more and here are some sample phrases:

Come here, NOW!

Help me, please

All clean (even if caca is present)

Hold you

Wake up, Daddy (usually called from the bedroom at 6am)

Be careful!

Hop, hop, hop!

Soleil and her swingset!

Soleil and Ricky testing the glider! They are such big kids now.

Checking out the sandbox, pre-sand.

Who is having more fun here? Papa or Soleil?

Daddy and Soleil playing peek-a-boo from the fort!

We bought Soleil a swingset for an early birthday gift. She loves it and spends hours every day on it. Daddy and Papa have also been spending a lot of time on it.

A New Year, Soleil style!

This is Soleil heading to school, a place she loves. She has grown so much recently, both physically and mentally.

Her latest expressions:

I got it!

Yummy tummy

NO, NO and NO!

Cookie, complete with cookie monster actions

Ribbit, while jumping like a frog

Pitty(pretty)

Nana put curlers in Soleil's hair one day. I told her she reminded me of City Meat Market on a Saturday morning!

Just look at my Mr. Potato head!

PJs, granny style. Had to capture the pants at the arm pits look.

Planting one on Brody! He didn't seem to mind.

Posing for the camera!

Soleil's Second Christmas!

Taking an after lunch jog in Clearwater.

Coming in for attack!

Uncle Jon, Soleil and Granny

The Gates Family

The Neill family- Uncle Andy and Dad

The big guy and the little guy head to the beach.

love

My favorite gift.

This is MY ride! This was the hit gift...although she did enjoy playing with the clothes boxes.

We were so glad that my brother Jon spent the holidays with us.

Santa was very GOOD to Soleil!

Engrossed in a good book with Granny.

Eager to get into the cake at Ricky's second bday party.

Hanging out with Nana and Papa.

Soleil and her Papa riding Santa's sleigh.

Soleil helped Granny hang out clothes.

Ricky and Soleil waiting for Santa.

This holiday season was very different for us, for a number of reasons. I experienced Christmas in a wheelchair. While it was heartwrenching at times, I really am happy to be alive. As a result of my accident, the whole family came together for Christmas. Even my brother, Jon and my Uncle Andy. We also got to experience Soleil's first "I get it now" Christmas. She was sooo excited and covered her mouth with her hands and jumped up and down.

I wish you all the happiness in 2009!