June Update
He will fill your mouth with laughter and your lips with shouts of joy.
-- Job 8:21
On June 2nd Alayna turned 11 months. She has two little crooked bottom teeth that popped up earlier this month, and by month's end, I could feel one of her top teeth poking through. She continues to smile her big smile and laughs often. I love it! Another big milestone...on June 9th, she took two little baby steps. She has progressed slightly by month end and is now up to five or six wobbly steps. She gets so excited that she starts “running” and laughing and just falls forward. I really thought she’d be a late walker since her other milestones were hit late, but she may be right on target with the walking.
Alayna continues to do well with the introduction of new table foods. There’s not much she won’t eat. (Although Amelia was like that too and now is almost as picky as Nick.) Alayna’s favorite food this month is blueberries. Her little feet get kicking and hands bang on the tray when I bring them out of the fridge.
This month she has mastered waving bye-bye, although she doesn’t understand the concept. She just likes waving and playing hand games…and of course, “This little piggy” on her toes. I think she will be a fish like her sister; she loves being in the pool and doesn’t seem to get cold at all. She doesn’t willingly put her face under, but doesn’t cry if splashed or put in a back float position. I think she not only enjoys the water, but loves watching all the kids moving around the pool. Thank goodness she is not a nervous child, because you never know when Amelia will swim under the water and pop right up in her face. Alayna is always amused with her and just splashes her hands when Amelia is willing to play with her. Of course, it is short lived since it’s not enough action to hold Sissy’s attention for very long, and Amelia is off as quickly as she pops up.
Sleeping is gradually getting better, but still an issue. We did find that she loves the hammock swing at the cottage and that turned out to be better than the pack-n-play for a nap. Creative napping…whatever works at this point.
In other family news…
June was a beautiful month here. Amelia and Alayna have both loved being outside and going to the pool. Amelia took her first swim class. She loved it and can do all the skills. We will most likely sign up for that class again until she is able to follow instructions a little better. I do spend time “teaching” her myself, so at this point I’m more concerned with her listening to the lifeguard than I am with the actual skill. I keep reminding myself she is still three, and a strong-willed three at that!
Everyone knows Amelia at the pool as she is not shy. She introduces herself to young and old alike and then often will drag a new friend over to Alayna and introduce them to her baby sister as well. She then shows them how to get a ½ inch from Alayna’s face and say hello to her in a high pitched voice. I wonder how long Alayna will keep smiling when someone is invading her personal space by that degree.
The first weekend in June we road tripped again to Indianapolis. Karen and Paul threw a nice graduation party for Erika who is off to Purdue in the fall. The weather was beautiful, and we had a great time, as usual.
Nick took the ACT this month and did well. I’m really excited for him, and us, as it should enable him to get some scholarship money. We will most likely do some college visits later in the summer. In the mean time, Nick is keeping busy with graduation parties each weekend while during the week he is working on some writing projects.
Uncle Rick drove in from Reno to help open the cottage. He met Alayna for the first time and was the doting uncle to both girls. Amelia enjoyed helping him with his tools and just loves the “Green Machine” Rick was nice enough to leave the “Green Machine” in Michigan, so Nick periodically takes her for a ride.
and finally, Dear Alayna Pei-Shan…
I can’t believe it has been six months since I first held you at Mrs. Lu’s home. You were so tiny with perfect little features and a quiet, sweet disposition. Looking back, I would say you were scared and curious at the same time. How overwhelming it must have been for you. Six months later, I am still saddened to have missed those first 5 months of your life, but grateful you were so well taken care of. You no longer are fearful, but happy and joyful. You bring a smile to all who are lucky enough to look into those sweet, beautiful eyes of yours. Baby girl, not a day goes by where Daddy and I don’t thank God and your birth mother for the gift of you! Our family would never have been complete without you and the joy you bring to all of us. You join Nick and Amelia on the list of life’s most special blessings. We will love and cherish you forever!
I'm happy just standing.
Loving the Grass
Clippies!
...and she wanted more.
Comfy Napping in the Hammock
Hmmm...it's a little cold.
Singing
Playing
Love the Green Machine
Don't mess with me!
Look at my two new teeth!
