Our growing girl

Our baby is now a toddler. She is walking everywhere, and climbing onto couches, chairs, and tables. At her 1 year doctor's appointment she weighed 22.4 lbs and was 29 1/4" tall. She is outgrowing all of her 12 month sized clothes and now wears mostly 18 months. She loves to eat and says "yum, yum" when she really likes what she's eating.

She is so sweet and loving, with kisses and gentle pats for us all. When her big sister got hurt the other day, she came over and laid her head on her to try and comfort her.

I'll get some more pictures up soon!

  

  

  

  

  

  

Rachel's birthday party

Rachel's birthday party was yesterday. We had a great time! The weather was beautiful, and we had over 60 people here. Rachel enjoyed herself, especially the cake and the present opening. There were ladybugs everywhere! I was delighted by how so many people got into the spirit of it and found cards, wrapping paper, gift bags and presents with ladybugs on them. Rachel got so many wonderful gifts and she really was thrilled with them all. People were so generous and thoughtful toward our little one that we feel so grateful and blessed.

Rachel's Video

Here's a link to Rachel's video. Sorry so long...couldn't help ourselves :)

1 year old this month!

Rachel will be turning a year old on June 19th. We're going to have her party on the 17th, and the theme is going to be ladybugs. I just love planning my kids' parties and the first birthday is so special. I can't wait to see her eating her cake! She hasn't had anything like that yet so I think she will really be in for a treat.

She has started to take a few steps now, very tentative but I think as soon as she gains a little confidence she will be running all over the place. She is also becoming much more cuddly and loving lately. She lays her head down on me and gives me the sweetest gentle little pats. Tonight at bedtime she did that and then reached up to give me a kiss. It was just so sweet, and I felt so loved. I had to laugh when I remembered how, before we went to get her, I was mentally preparing myself that bonding might take up to a year or more. I know that it is always an ongoing process, but at this point we all just love her so much and she certainly seems to love us too.

We just finished making a video of our adoption trip. It was a lot of fun choosing songs and pictures and putting it all together. Stay tuned for a link to see it online!