Old Time Rock 'n Roll

Jia is walking. Yes, I've said it before. But now she is down right brave, lets go, and takes off. Doesn't she look like she's doing the Tom Cruise slide in that one picture? That's a reference from the movie Risky Business for those too young to know or to those with more discerning movie taste than I. She's also cutting big molars and was very needy of mommy tonight. I hate that she feels bad. But it is rare that this firestorm wants to cuddle so I'm happy, happy, happy to give her anything she needs. Do you recall my post on the joys of a box of tissues? Ditto on a box of Hello Kitty bandaids. She litterally played for over an hour with the box. The way the bandaids sounded when she shook it fascinated her. She also played for a long time with a simple plastic cup and the top to a bottle - in - out - in - out. Some of the pics show her intense level of concentration as she tries to figure out how things work.

I want to say hi to Kathy , her hubby, her mom and brother Bob. I had a wonderful conversation with Kathy today (I hope you don't mind me mentioning that) and my thoughts, prayers, hopes are with you and your family that referrals start coming more quickly and you get your daughter soon. I so enjoyed our conversation.

Go 'Skins!

My dad and brother are already pumping Jia up to be this country's next diehard Redskins fan! A few random pics from the weekend. Also - ignore the picture of me but look at that gorgeous hat Jia has on - thanks Laura! Jia's Aunt Laura is a very talented knitter and this is one of her creations!! I also captured a couple of shots of Jia's cousins Melissa and David. We can't wait until Christmas when the Illinois cousins and Aunt and Uncle get here!

Happy Family

The first couple of photos are some great shots that my dad took of us. At 6 and 12 months we have to send various information to China to complete all necessary aspects of our adoption. We didn't have any photos of the three of us together (well, there was one - but I looked like a mutant) so we gathered at the folks house to enjoy good company, a great meal (thanks mom) and some picture taking. Jia is walking! Holy cow I buried the lead! (Yes, I saw Broadcast News recently.) She can now independently walk across a room! I am the ever worried mommy walking right behind her since we have had a face plant or two along the way. But she is soooo proud of herself and rightfully so. If you don't remember how far we've come check out my May posts! She is an extraordinary little human. Her personality is really coming out and she cracks me up daily. She's a happy baby. Truly happy baby. She is talking more now as well. She says I love you ( admittedly much like I have once or twice after too many martinis... iiiii wooooove uuuuuu) and good girl, and thank you, and Bella (Lisa's dog) and on and on. She understands EVERYTHING it seems - I ask her to look at my mouth as I pronounce something and she does. I tell her she is making herself abundantly clear when she wails and she smiles at me. Cool, cool, cool. p.s Happy Belated Birthday my dear husband. 40. Wow. Good thing I married someone so much older than me. heh.

Stunning

Welcome to Toddlerville

Jia is officially a toddler - in case anyone was wondering. Pick me up. No, don't hold me. I want to walk, no pick me up. What's in this drawer? Mom, where are you? I want to walk. No, I want to run. Stop here, I want to feel this. Pick me up. Cry for no apparent reason. Laugh because life is amusing me at the moment. Look what I found on the floor. I think I'll put this in my mouth. Don't change my diaper. I don't want to wear shoes. This sweater is a no-no. Where are you going? Pick me up. No, I want to walk. All with out uttering a word. Amazing.

All is Well

Sorry for the delay in posting. I've been under the weather but the clouds are clearing and I do believe I'm on the mend. Jia is great - she didn't have/get whatever I have thankfully. Jia continues to be very close to walking - and she's eating and sleeping ALOT. She spent 45 minutes in her high chair tonight and I had to limit the food I put in front of her for fear she would choke herself! She couldn't get it in fast enough! And it's not like Aunt Lisa hadn't fed her a tremendous amount already today. Lisa weighed her and she's up another pound from a month ago. Yippie. Lisa is also unhappy that her little fat rolls on her thighs are disappearing! heh. Life is good - what more can I say? The dad is off for a four day weekend and it's just me and Jia this weekend. Wish me luck. She's a little firestorm these days.