December 30, 2011

As we approach our 6 month anniversary with Anna Kathryn, I'm struck by many thoughts . . . first and foremost, how time flies! Second, how much a baby can change and grow in what feels like a short amount of time. And third, how incredible our love for this sweet girl is! She came into this family and just grabbed our hearts; not a day goes by that we don't thank God for this amazing blessing.

I've probably written this before, but the most common word used to describe Anna Kathryn is Busy! Oh my, is she busy! She's happiest when walking around the house, exploring and playing (in a cupboard, if at all possible.) In fact, I do believe her dream scenario would be unlimited access to a cupboard full of markers, CD's, shoes and lotion. Oh, and a television remote too.  That, or unlimited access to her Sissy's bedroom . . . now that would be heaven for her! Thankfully, she's developed a fondness for board books and enjoys having us read them over and over.

She finally seems to be making progress in her speech . . . today she pointed to an apple and said "Ap-el", which was met with much clapping and cheering. When asked she can correctly point to several parts of the body (clapping for herself with each correct answer), and she's added some animals sounds to her repertoire . . . her tiger growl is very cute!

Anna Kathryn is a great mimic! She loves to do things like comb her hair (or ours), brush her teeth, pretend to put on lotion or makeup, dance, march, pray at dinner time, and "read".  We're always impressed by how much she takes in and notices, and how she is understanding the routines and tasks of life.

At a recent well-visit we found out that Anna Kathryn has definitely grown, and she is officially on the charts! Interestingly, at the same time she is starting to be a picky eater, which I'll admit frustrates me. I so badly want her to be a healthy eater, and yet she throws her veggies off the tray, shakes her head at what used to be her favorite fruits, and spits out the sweet potatoes. Well, I'm not giving up!

What I'm most happy to report is that the relationship between Adrienne and her baby sister is finally deepening, and they are really enjoying each other. Anna Kathryn allows Adrienne to carry her around the house, which is darling to see. Becoming a big sister has taught Adrienne so much - - patience would be at the top of that list! Responsibility, too. And most importantly, a new kind of love.

Speaking of Adrienne, we're so very proud of her accomplishment this month as she danced the role of "Little Girl" in the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre's Nutcracker. It was not just an accomplishment at her age, but also a true dream come true, and the result of many years of hard work. It was a very big time commitment for the whole family (and I do mean the whole family, as her grandparents helped make it all possible!) But certainly, in retrospect, very worth it. To see photos from this wonderful experience, please click HERE

To follow us on our trip to Nantucket this past October, please click HERE

We hope you had a blessed Christmas and wish you all a very Happy New Year!

One note that might interest some of our readers . . . after coming quite close to closing myadoptionwebsite completely, Joe and I have actually decided to re-open for new orders in 2012!  For more information please visit the Family Websites page.

What a face!

Enjoying a warm fall day in Shadyside


Playing in her sink, a favorite past-time