Me Plus One: January 2008

Last Wednesday morning I had the rare opportunity to catch some of The Today Show. The story I caught was about Baby Signs (full story is featured in Parent's Magazine - Jan. issue). Well, I had to listen. I figured it would shed some interesting light on my Little Squirt. Let me tell you, her sign describes her to a 'T'. (click here if you want to check your baby's sign)

Gemini The Twins May 21-June 21

Your baby is blessed with a quick, engaged mind and needs constant stimulation. Read to her several times a day, and make sure you have lots of little objects (rattles, squishy toys) for her to play with. Satisfy her natural curiosity—and fend off restlessness—with pop-up toys, puppet shows, storytime at the library, and frequent field trips (such as to the supermarket or a fish store). A true chatterbox, your little one may be the first in her baby group to speak. Even if it sounds like gibberish, pay attention: In her mind, she always has something crucial to say.

Constant Stimulation is an understatement. If Nola had her way I would be entertaining her every moment of every day. Actually, I just about do that now!!

Things are going well. We've been home 5 1/2 weeks and have really gotten to know each other quite well. Little Squirt is certainly keeping me on my toes. She's been sleeping through the night since day 1 (once we got through the jet lag issues the first 10-12 days home). It's pretty clear that she is a momma's girl. I can say with certainty that she has become quite attached to her mommy. This pleases me very much, but it comes with some side effects. While she's quite comfortable and knows her Omie and Tante Moni (my Aunt), she is somewhat fearful when meeting other new people. I suppose this is natural, but it has also hindered me, or 'us' rather, from getting out much. Mind you, this could all just be me and my own issues as I work towards becoming Super Mom!

I am trying to do all the right things, and follow suggestions from the adoption professionals such as staying away from grocery stores for a few weeks, not to over-stimulate her, and easing into things. I am really doing that. Recently I've tested the waters a bit and it hasn't been fun for me. I don't want to be one of those parents that stays in a public establishment with a crying baby. So, I feel like I need to rush and get my crying baby out of the place or pick her up. I usually pick her up and then she is happy. (I know, I am in for it, right???)

Today we took a stroller walk to Starbucks. As soon as we entered the store, with the stroller, she began to cry. There weren't too many people in there. I'm not sure what set her off. So, I rushed to order my drink and then moved over to the side. Feeling all eyes on me, one person said 'maybe she's hungry'....well, no, she's not - she just finished an 8 oz bottle 20 min. ago. So, I took her out of the stroller and she was happy, smiling away. Laughing. And looking cute! Hmmmm....

Tell me, should I have left her in the stroller crying? What would you have done? What do you do?

Let's see, what else-

No teeth yet, but she is starting to put things in her mouth and she likes to chew on my knuckles. She wants to stand up all the time. Forget crawling...she is going to walk first. She is full of smiles and has been since I picked her up. She loves to be tickled and laughs hysterically. It is soo cute as when she laughs or smiles big, she has two dimples going on. She is gaining weight nicely. On Nov. 25th she was 9.5 lbs; Dec. 4th, at the SOS Clinic in Almaty, she was 10lbs; Dec. 27th, she was 11lbs 11oz and on Jan. 7th she was just about 12lbs. I am pretty sure she is just over 12lbs today. Yayyy!

Her hair is growing in nicely. It looks like she will have thick hair with lots of body. I did not know this or think this was done to her, but apparently her hair was shaved in the orphanage between trips. I found this out when I developed the two films I left on trip 1. I'm really not sure why since she hardly had any hair when I met her (she had just been in the process of losing her hair when we met on trip 1). Anyway, it's growing!! (see for yourself in the pics coming soon)

She is babbling up a storm. I am pretty sure I heard her say 'hi' the other day. Ok, ok...maybe not. But it was close ;) The mornings are so great...I love going into her room and playing 'where's the baby?' She lights up with a smile so big and reaches up for me. I am truly in LOVE.

We've also been busy with Dr. appts., and lab work. Everything is checking out nicely and I couldn't be happier. She is getting wonderful reports all around. Yayy for Nola!

Ok, I'm sure you've had enough with my babbling. Time for some very OVERDUE pictures. I'm posting in order starting with Xmas through just a couple of days ago.

Love to all!

Xmas Eve - Mommy & Nola