All in all, Maya's a good baby. Joe was the first one to hold her when all the babies were given to their families. She didn't cry at all, but just stared at him. She goes to him pretty easily and loves to ride facing outward in the baby carrier. We really can't tell whether or not she has any developmental delays. She sits up unassisted and can actually pull herself into a standing position quite easily. She has a death grip on her toys and her favorite activity is to swing the toys back and forth. It is really cute to see but kind of painful if you are in the general vicinity. Joe has gotten hit a few times in the face by flailing toys while he has her in the baby carrier (note to Quey Quey (her grandma) - please buy some soft hand toys)! As soon as we sit down to eat she grabs hold of anything she can reach. It makes for a challenging meal.Maya babbles a lot and is very vocal. She is active and likes to be held all. the. time. Even though I am used to holding a forty pound five year old, for some reason my back is really taking a lickin' with this kid. She has some meat on her bones and little chubby legs - it must be the fact that she has a healthy appetite and likes to eat table food. Of course there are a few things she doesn't like, manly having her diaper changed and her first bath with us didn't go over too well either. Last night she was crying a lot before dinner and the only way for us to get her to calm down was for Joe to strap her into the carrier and walk around the lobby stores. She sure is an inquisitive kid.
Everyone is sleeping pretty well except for me. Tonight I got around 6 hours worth of sleep, which is better than the previous night, so maybe I am starting to catch up. I am dreading adjusting to the time change once we return to New Jersey.
We are checking out of this beautiful hotel (The Wharton International hotel of Nanning) and taking a five hour bus ride to Guilin, a city famous for it's beautiful scenery. Our tour guide told us that the hotel isn't as fancy as this one (whatever that means) so I am unsure if I will be able to update for a few days. I will be back on the computer for sure once we fly over to the White Swan in Guangzhou over the weekend.
A few of you asked about Leah's adjustment to her sister. It is going as well as can be expected. This experience is wonderful for all of us, but also extremely stressful. Our first few hours together we had an official girl meltdown (mommy, Leah and Maya). By the time Joe came back from his trip to walmart (think eight men, all with shopping carts, searching through the baby aisles) we were not in the best of shape. That is a whole post in itself and will write more about it when we get home. Joe was able to spend some time alone with Leah in the pool yesterday, so that was nice. For the most part, Leah likes to squeeze Maya's cheeks and pull on her legs in the baby carrier. Also, during our adoption interview Leah told the official that she loves her baby sister. I take that as a good sign.
Tammy - thanks for the offer of sending more 9 month clothes. Actually, I don't think she will be in that size much longer. She barley fits in the footsie pj's now!
Cousin Candice - thanks so much for e-mailing me. I am glad to hear that the Harry Potter book was good (you lucky girl to have read it already). I plan on diving right into it with whatever free time I have once I return home.
I will write again soon!
11 comments:
Obviously she is not delayed at all but rather intelligent like her Auntie Chris. She seems like a happy baby in her pictures. I'm sure that is a good sign.
Oh sibling rivalry already, join the club.
Ahhhh, mealtime with the baby and her 10 foot arms. Yep, they can clear a table (or grab a butcher knife) lickety split. Peaceful meals - good times.
She sounds pretty healthy & on target with pulling herself up. She looks strong and healthy in her pics - which are super cute. Again, loving the hair.
The adjustment is tough - lack of sleep, jealous sibling, new baby (with her own ideas and desires) and just trying to get through a day with another human being to care for AND carry EVERYWHERE.
Hang in there - your new normal is only around the corner.
Hugs...
I love the pictures and look forward to seeing new ones.The two girls look so cute together.It looks like Maya is fitting right into the family.I love her hair style. Love Mom
Oh the girls are just darling. Congratulations! Reading your log is like reliving our trip almost a year ago. Have fun, even though sleep is sparse, beleive me I know how hard that is.
Take care and happy, safe travels.
Sounds like all is going well in the grand scheme of things! Can't wait to hear and see more...
Overall, it sounds very normal and that you are all doing well. When you're able to get more sleep, it will help things greatly. A happy Mama, makes for a happy family.
Things will get easier. But don't be surprised if Leah reverts back to acting like she's a baby. By the 3rd day, our 6 y-o Gillian figured out that the baby gets lots of attention, so she started sucking her thumb. She also wanted to ride in the stroller which I allowed only in the hotel room. It's good that Leah can get some quality time alone.
Try to sleep well. And don't sweat the jet lag now. It will be there waiting for you when you get home. :)
I'm so very glad to hear that everything is going well!!
OHHH the lack of sleep! I remember our trip to Italy and the lack of sleep was crippling. And, I didn't have to worry about a new baby (just the in-laws). But, it sounds like you're hanging in there and doing well.
Maybe when you reach Hong Kong you can catch a little break. And, when you're home, I'd be happy to help out!
Congrats again on your beautiful, growing family.
Nicole
Maya is nothing less than beautiful!!! Congratualtions to your family!
Kim
It sounds like Maya is doing very well. What you've described sounds very similar to Lily (no crying initially, but looking around and observing). Lily also had a death grip on things, the first object was a biscuit that the nannies gave her which she clutched onto the whole day, then it was water bottles. Lily could not sit up unassisted when we first met her, so it sounds like Maya is right on target developmentally. I remember the anxiety and sleeplessness - hang in there.
Great to see you guys and the baby. You're amazing to be able to keep up with the blog when there are so many things going on. Carissa started crawling only last week, and she definitely cannot pull herself up to stand yet, so I think Maya is doing great. Can't wait to see you all when you return.
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