BABIES GENIUS

CLICK ON THE PHOTO ABOVE TO SEE THE REST FROM TODAY.

Emma had her first bath. It took 2 of us. She can't sit up by herself and when wet is slippery! After a bath and long nap we headed out to see what WalMart was all about. We of course we started at. When two women wouldn't stop staring, after 5 minutes Phil pulled out the tag that stated we were Americans adopting an orphan. Well every Tom, Dick and Harry had to come see what the badge said. By pulling out the badge for them to read it made our situation worse. Many times I found myself with my back against a wall and Emma strapped on my chest. Being a little taller than the rest of the crowd I would look over everyone and just keep walking. We found 2 outfits for her to wear at night and some snacks. After feeling like we had 5 heads each we went to a large park and ate our snacks. Then it was dinner time. A group of us went to a real nice restaurant and the food was awesome. It's served family style. It was a weird mix of this an that but was really good. The babies were very
happy...they were finally getting a warm meal of things they were used to. The tofu soup was a hit. At 7:30 Emma passed out for the night. Through out dinner she kept falling asleep. When she's real tired...no one can touch her but Phil. She arches her back and stiffens up if I try. It is really really cold here. The day we got off the plane it was 43 degrees and today felt colder. Which brings me to a point. Most of the babies have flat heads from laying down a lot. Emma's head is real flat. You don't even have to feel her head to see that it's real flat. But when you think that there is NO heat in almost any of the buildings (Civil Affairs office, airport, department stores) and that she's been living in 4 layers all her life....no wonder when put to sleep on a super hard surface, the back of her head is flat. Emma was so bundled up she never was able to turn over and her arms would stick straight out. She is just now figuring out how to clap her hands and to feed herself. We're
not worried at all, it will get better with time. She has one little tooth starting. For someone who's teething, she's pretty happy.

Since you haven't had a check-up in 2 months & won't
have one for another month, I have no clue how much
you weigh or how long you are! Gotta get out the
measuring tape.

It's been a big month for you! You got your first tooth
just a couple of weeks ago. FINALLY. Now you're
constantly running your tongue over it. Lucky for
us you were a breeze to deal with when teething...
we didn't even know until mommy saw a white
line just under your gums. Such a strong boy!

You've also started standing pretty much constantly.
No steps yet, but it seems like it could be any day
now that you attempt to walk. You're much taller
than a lot of babies your age, so we wonder if your
center of gravity is effected, hehe. That's what
we tell ourselves. Then again, you walking means
a new lifestyle...one of chasing you around as
you get into anything & everything. Fun, but tiring.
& I don't think I can get any more tired.

You haven't said a single word yet, but buddy, you
are SO smart. You play your xylophone & are super
proud as you bang away. You also have two different
tambourines that you adore shaking. We think you're
going to be very musical, which is fine by us :) You
may not have said a word yet but you know what lots
of phrases mean. You are very vocal though & a day
with you includes hearing lots of yelling, laughing &
almost sing-songy sounds.

You've also become a LOT more cuddly. Actually, I
should say you've become cuddly, period, as you were
never a cuddly sort until now. You'll grab at my legs
or shirt for a quick snuggle & you'll lay your head on
my shoulder & just stay there for a few minutes. You
don't even know how much that makes my heart
ACHE with an overwhelming amount of love.

YOU, yes you, are one of the coolest, funniest, most
amazing people I know. & I can't wait to watch you
grow & change more & more, day by day.