I love her. I love everything about her. I look at her and just feel at peace knowing that I can touch her, smell her, and hear her babbles. Ellie and Calen are adjusting to their new sister. They are so gentle and love to get on the floor to play with her. She adores them and kicks like crazy when one of them walks in the room. She just turned 8 months old. I think a list is appropriate here:
What I know and love about Maleia:
*I know that she was bottle #26 at Hannah's Hope and I loved being the one finally holding it on November 3rd! It was so weird to look down and see it in my hands instead of a picture!
*I know and LOVE that she holds my hands while I feed her or when she is going to sleep.
*I know that she wasn't a big fan of baths when we were staying at the Union Hotel, but she is willing to stay in longer and longer each time. She will even splash a bit!
*I know that she can roll, sit up, clap, grasp the tiniest of items on the floor, scoot, stand while holding onto something, and giggle to herself.
*know that her first teeth (bottom-front)broke through her gums while we were at the hotel in Ethiopia! Yea!
*I know that she thinks Peek-a--boo is hilarious and "Mah!" makes her smile. I guess the special mothers say that to them. I think it means "Mommy," but I'm not sure.
*I know that her special mothers used to sing Old MacDonald in Ahmaric to her. I recognized the tune!
*I know that English is the THIRD language that she's heard in her very short life! First-Oromo- birth mother's language, Second- Ahmaric- Hannah's Hope-primary language in Ethiopia, Third- English!!
*I know that at our time of referral she was in the 5th percentile for weight and she is now in the 75th percentile!
* I know that her weight gain is because Hannah's Hope feeds the kids A LOT and frequently! Maleia was asleep in Brendan's arms and a special mother insisted on waking her up and wiggling a bottle into her mouth. Kids do not miss a meal there!
*I know that we missed her first Halloween by just a few days. I have dressed her in several costumes and she looks adorable in every single one of them!
*I know that when she really smiles you can see her dimple under her left eye!
*I know that I'm not going to have to worry about hair care for awhile!
*I know that she's gone to Disneyland 3 times already.
*I know that she loves music. It soothes her.
*I know that she is getting used to being in my arms A LOT!
*I know that she is still finding her voice. She has a high pitch (not loud) cry and we only hear it when she wants a bottle at night.
*I now know that her skin really does get dry if I don't use baby oil and moisturizer!
*I know that she instantly felt safe in Brendan's arms.
*I know that her very favorite (she had four) special mother was Gumaush. I don't know the spelling. I have pictures and video of her singing and talking to Maleia. She cried each time I took Maleia out (so did I).
*I know that Gumaush called Maleia- Mekdes (The s sounds like an s and not a z and both e's are short) and Mekdee as a nickname.
*I know that Maleia would prefer to sleep right next to me instead of in her pack-n-play next to me!
*I know that she is a very content easy going baby.
*I know that prunes haven't done the trick in fighting her constipation problems.
*I know that she isn't a big fan of baby food (yet).
*I know that she was handpicked by God to be in our family. I think she knows it too!!
Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the last two weeks.
November 7th. Finally home!
Fun with costumes!
Her shirt says it all!
More fun with costumes!
An Ethiopian and American flag dress!!! I'll email anyone info on who makes these if you are interested.
My babies.
We had to see Mickey!!
We got this hat from a friend at our Meet and Greet. It has become my favorite accessory!!
The frog and princesses!
Dressing babies is soooooooooo fun! She seems to know that she is adorable!
She scoots!
The hat...again...
We went to a Christmas tree lighting. I thought this was just precious. Two sisters. I pray that they become close friends.
Hi America!!! I'm here!
Maleia