October 2006 Update

     It has been 10 days since Alivia and I have been home. She is doing so well adjusting to her Forever Family! She is such a happy, lively, energetic little baby girl. She is just a bundle of joy! We all couldn't be any happier with the progress she is making. She is now adjusting beautifully and is really beginning to explore her new world.
     As of Thursday, she is now toddling around on her own without any assistance. Her mission is the cat. Hey, whatever it takes! She also has a very healthy appetite and loves all kinds of food you give her. Friday night we went to Papaw's and Nana Pat for some of her home cooking and Alivia's favorite was corn and also potato casserole.
     Her most favorite toy is a Tickle Me Elmo from her Papaw. She won't let it out of her sight. (If you don't have one - get one! Hours of entertainment!) Alivia talks, rather babbles quite a bit. We can understand a few words, "Mama", "Dada" "Up" and "Cat". Mary is hoping Alivia will say her name real soon. Her favorite shows are Wonder Pets,Sesame Street and Hannah Montana. These shows keeps her enthralled for quite awhile. She dances to the theme song on Hannah Montana everytime she hears it. And best of all, bas of yesterday, we have NO crying at bath time. Yeah!!
     Each of us have been able to have quality bonding time with Alivia. She seems to love the one-on-one attention from each of us. Daytime is all Mommy's while Daddy and Mary are gone to work and school. Alivia and I eat breakfast and lunch together, play for hours on end with her blocks, books, and baby dolls and then we share naptime together. She is attached to me only until Daddy or Mary comes home - I am ok with that as that gives me a break and gives me the time to prepare dinner and get other things done.
     Alivia is definitely a Daddy's girl! She cries every time Doug puts her down or leaves the room. She has him wrapped around her little finger already. Mary did the exact same thing at that age. Must be a "girl" thing. He just loves every minute of it! But Daddy still hasn't figured out that BEDTIME is not PLAYTIME! Help!!!
     Mary and Alivia are big buddies! Rocking out and dancing to music is their favorite thing to do. Alivia loves all music. (Even country, Aunt Tammy!) Alivia also has pretty, polished toe nails, thanks to her big sister. Mary tells us, "Being a big sister is the greatest feeling in the world!" Doug and I have to say she is doing a very good job! She really is a tremendous help to me. I am telling her constantly that she doesn't have to do so much, but she said she loves to do it. I love you, Mary and appreciate all you do to help out with Alivia.
     Each day we see such incredible progress in Alivia. She is a remarkable child. It's amazing to see the transformation in such a short period of time. We give God all the glory for answering all our prayers.
     Tonight at church we received a wonderful surprise from our church family, a "Welcome Home" shower for Alivia! Our Fellowship Hall was decorated with tons of pink balloons and they had a cake with Alivia's picture on it. How very thoughtful! She received some many adorable outfits, lots of toys and books, and a new Cabbage Patch doll with black hair like hers. Thank you, Victory Christian Church for this caring and thoughtful display of your love for our precious new daughter. We are truly blessed to belong to such a loving Christian Family of God!
     This week is fall break and Sissy (Mary) and Daddy will be home. So I am sure we are in for an exciting week at home with all of us being together. Between unpacking boxes and spoiling Alivia, it should be a fun week!