She’s not a baby anymore… better to say, she’s a young lady… a ‘señorita’… 
Like her parents, this young lady has already moved quite a bit…
She was not born in Rio de Janeiro, like her momma, not in Virginia, like her daddy. She did not have her Brazilian ‘vovó and vovô’ to welcome her into this world, nor her American ‘nana and abuelito’ to greet her when she first smiled… She was born 5 years ago, while our family was stationed in Mozambique, and was fortunate enough to have the unique Pretoria (South Africa) as her birth place.
Despite not having our families around, she was [and still is!] surrounded by love, through her parents’ friends, the extended family, and her now, personal friends in Bolivia.
This morning, before getting ready for school, still recovering from the very intense and fun Carnaval in La Paz, our girl came to our bedroom, holding her index finger upright: “Mommmy, would you believe we’re only ONE DAY away from my cumple?” She’s right: Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and she knows it! For our family, this particular day will aways transcends all the commercialism, the consumerism associated with the date – it goes beyond that, it’s definitely, truly, unconditionally related to LOVE. The love between parents and their daughter…
We’re pleased, lucky and grateful for all the experiences we’ve been through, and we’re grateful for having had this intense, warm, active and loving girl into our lives for the past five years… Half a decade ago, husband and I received the best gift one could ever expect for Valentine’s Day: the birth of a baby girl! ♥ And, for the ones who may find hard to believe that there are no boundaries, limits nor geographical barriers for friendships, that little baby girl got some visitors… friends from DC [pictured below] came to meet her, while visiting South Africa… Our deepest appreciation for such a great demonstration of friendship! ♥
Baie Dankie, South Africa for such a wonderful Valentine’s!
brasileiro? latino? no speak americano?? click!
Photo Project: 52 Bolivian Sundays
good feedback!
Victoria
February 14, 2013 at 7:18 am
Couldn’t dream of a better Gift! Happy Birthday, and congratulations! Such sweet pics, too!
3rdCultureChildren
February 14, 2013 at 8:59 am
Thank you, thank you, Victoria!
Lucid Gypsy
February 13, 2013 at 6:06 pm
She is beautiful, Happy Birthday Valentine child!
3rdCultureChildren
February 13, 2013 at 6:51 pm
Thank you very much, Gilly!
Marcia Clarke
February 13, 2013 at 12:59 pm
She is too cute, I love girls! Two daughters and three granddaughters; yes, I am biased. LOL
3rdCultureChildren
February 13, 2013 at 2:33 pm
You’re definitely blessed, Marcia! Girls are a lot of fun! Thanks for stopping by!
mariannegv
February 13, 2013 at 12:17 pm
Congratulations for the parents and happy birthday!
3rdCultureChildren
February 13, 2013 at 2:34 pm
Thank you very much Marianne, for your kind wishes! Much appreciated!
Charles & Cherise
February 13, 2013 at 11:55 am
Happy Birthday Marcela!!! xoxo
3rdCultureChildren
February 13, 2013 at 2:34 pm
Thank you, Cherise (and Charlie!)… my babies are all growing up…
Marilyn
February 13, 2013 at 11:46 am
Love this! I have 5 kids born on 3 continents, and I grew up overseas as well. This reminded me of when our 4th was born in Cairo, Egypt and came into the world loving the world with the world loving her back!
3rdCultureChildren
February 13, 2013 at 2:36 pm
Isn’t this the most amazing experience, Marilyn? Nothing beats that… and the kids learn so early about their surroundings, and how fantastic [and grand!] the world is! Thank you for taking the time to stop by and share your experiences… much appreciated!
westseventhfreelance
February 13, 2013 at 10:25 am
Happy, Happy Birthday!!!!!!
3rdCultureChildren
February 13, 2013 at 2:37 pm
Thank you! At least we ‘got something good from the one who stole Valentine’s Day from us… forever’…
Just kidding… we couldn’t have gotten a better gift!
westseventhfreelance
February 13, 2013 at 2:56 pm
Haha..love it!! Have a great day!
3rdCultureChildren
February 13, 2013 at 2:59 pm
colonialist
February 13, 2013 at 9:58 am
Isn’t she lovely? SA can be proud indeed that she happened here.
3rdCultureChildren
February 13, 2013 at 2:38 pm
Ohhh… thank you for such sweet words….
We will always hold a dear place for Africa in our hearts… our time there (Swazi, Mozambique, SA) was fantastic, and full of love and joyful experiences… Thank you for commenting! 