My Little Flamenca

Recently my in-laws went on a trip to Andalusia and, of course, couldn't leave without picking up a red and white polka dotted flamenco dress for Arabella. When she'll wear it, I have no idea. She looks like a huge cupcake in it, but I have to admit, it's adorable, not to mention traditional.

Anyway, a few days ago, Paquita came over hardly able to contain herself. She had found the matching shoes!!! At first they kind of freaked me out. They look like ruby slippers, only they don't sparkle, and are two sizes two big for her, but they do have heels!! Granted, they are only slight heels, and they're fairly thick - ideal for dancing flamenco - but for a 17 month-old, I don't know, doesn't it just seem weird to put her in heels? What I didn't realize then was that these are magic heels. The second Bella put them on, her feet took off, and she didn't stop stamping around and dancing until we took them off (or more accurately - until we nearly had to pin her down and struggle with her until we could rip them off).

I took this video after watching her for nearly five minutes... Notice how she's still going strong? Needless to say, bedtime was not easy immediately following this performance. Sleep tight tiny dancer.

Ahhhh Ya ya

I know this is terrible quality, but Bella completely cracks me up in this video. We were on our way home, and Paquita and I were trying to keep Bella awake, so Paquita started headbanging to the music. Since Bella was completely exhausted (midnight sillies), and seeing any grandma heandbang would put a smile on anyone's face, my sweet girl had a good laugh and a very interesting one-way conversation as well. This has become characteristic for her. She talks, but she says no words that any of us understand. It's truly hilarious, and I wish I could capture her in a moment of intense story-telling. She tells some interesting ones (I imagine!)

Going Public

So everyone knows that Bella turns 2 on the last day of March, but did you know this:

Oh, and please forgive my cheesy grin at the end. It couldn't be helped. ;-)