July Update
We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. -- Thomas Jefferson
On July 2nd, Alayna turned one. We were so thrilled not to have missed this big milestone with her. International adoption is unpredictable, and we were truly blessed to bring this little angel home at such a young age. She had a doctor’s appointment on her birthday and did fairly well. She has not grown much in height and remains around 28 inches and weighed in at 18 pounds 6 oz. Poor baby had to have a couple of shots, which she was not happy about, but settled down fairly quickly. It’s tough being one.
Since her birthday is around the 4th of July holiday weekend, we were able to celebrate at the cottage. Party goers included Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt Chrissy & Uncle Chuck, Sophia and Isabella, Karen & Paul with Erika and Andy and Casey, Paige and Lauren. What a fun day. Alayna was a little quiet with all those people around; Amelia on the other hand, was thrilled.
When it was time for cake, Alayna was a little taken aback. She was overwhelmed with the singing, and even though we had gotten her an individual little cake to eat and dig into as she saw fit, she wanted nothing to do with her hands being dirty. I’m sure it will be a different story as she celebrates future birthdays.
Later in the evening, there were fireworks being lit off all around the lake. I thought she would be afraid of the noise, but she enjoyed just snuggling up on my lap next to the bon fire and watching them all. We must all be horrible “Happy Birthday” singers if that bothered her but the incessant bang of fireworks is acceptable.
As for the rest of the month...Alayna continues to do well on her walking and has given up crawling all together. By month end, she was able to climb the stairs, but has no desire to learn to come down. She has 5 teeth, three on top, two on bottom and the cutest crooked little smile. She squishes her eyes up so much we wonder how she can see! Alayna still does a great job eating, and blueberries are part of her daily menu. She would choose a blueberry over a piece of candy. Good girl! We are still waiting for her first words, but know better than to wish for that! We were anxious for Amelia to talk, too, and she hasn’t come up for a breath in two years. The other nice thing that happened this month is that the girls have figured out how to play and interact with each other. It had been more side by side play, but lately they will actually play together. Very sweet.
I took Alayna, twice…thanks for asking…to have her one year pictures taken. A few days before, she had her bangs trimmed--didn’t go well. First attempt at pictures--didn’t go well. Rescheduled, tried again--only slightly better. Better luck next year. Thankfully, Nick’s senior pictures turned out fantastic.
In other family news:
July is always our busy month and this year was no exception. Alayna’s birthday kicked off a month long party. Aunt Chrissy and the girls were in town for the month, so lots of play dates there. Sophie and Isabella were big helpers with the girls. The girls had special outings to a carnival, sleepovers at Grandma’s and the cottage, many days at the swim pool, and we went to the Cascade Falls in Jackson one evening as well. A month of cousin fun for all! Now that they are home, Amelia doesn’t understand the distance between Detroit and Memphis and asks daily (multiple times) when Sophia and Isabella are coming over.
Aunt Kelly, Uncle Rich and Sonny, Poppy, Maya, and Dali were in from Brussels for a visit this month as well. Their time was limited, so daddy took the girls for an afternoon visit. Amelia and Alayna had a great time with their cousins. Too bad they live so far, six little girls running around is a ton of fun.
Nick has been busy this summer as well. He is working a full time job in a warehouse; he actually really enjoys it. Most evenings he hits the gym afterwards and is too tired to move after that. Come weekends, his social life kicks in and unfortunately there is not much family time. Hmmm, maybe we’ll see more of him once school starts.
A note to Alayna:
Dear Alayna,
Happy Birthday baby girl! Our family is so blessed to have you. Today, as we celebrate this milestone, I love how you toddle over to me with outstretched arms and just want to sit on my lap and snuggle in. I know now after Nick and Amelia to cherish these moments, as they are fleeting. I wish I could bottle your precious grin with your sparkling eyes, your sweet baby smell, your deep throaty giggle and the little smacking sound you make when you are trying to kiss, kiss, kiss. These things are uniquely you, Alayna, and I adore them all.
While I can’t imagine life without you, I am grateful for the sacrifice that your birthmother made to ensure you grew up with a family who loves you. I have no doubt there is a young women half way around the world thinking of you today and wishing you all the happiness that Daddy, Nick, Amelia and I wish for you. I hope somewhere deep within her she has a peace knowing that you will forever and always be loved and taken care of.
Wising you many blessings as you embark on all the fun of your second year.
I love you with all my heart!
Mommy
Happy Birthday, Dear Alayna.
Sisters
Yummy Cake
...and a smaller cake just for the birthday girl
We tried to show her how to "dig in", but Alayna didn't want her hands dirty and wasn't fond of cake.
Nick and Amelia enjoying the lake over the 4th of July weekend
Naptime in the hammock swing.
Dad and Alayna
Sparklers!
Isabella picked out matching outfits for herself and Amelia. They loved them.
Sophia and Amelia enjoying a carnival ride.
Girls having fun.
Amelia was a little apprehensive riding a pony at our church picnic.
I'm a big girl now!
Amelia, Sonny and Maya
Grandma and Alayna at the Cascade Falls
Aunt Chrissy and Killer
Dancing to the music at the falls
