The Diaper Dance

Mia has always loved music. Her referral paperwork even mentions it. Although most adopters seem to have the standard "responds to music" type info in their referral packet. But for Mia it appears to be true.

When we were in China and would find a music video channel on TV, Mia would stop whatever she was doing and sit mesmerized. No other channel had that affect on her. Her favorite was Chinese rap. I know. And yes Chinese rap is the same as here... baggy pants, hats turned to the side, mad dance moves... just Chinese guys doing it. Pretty funny. But I digress.

Just in the last couple of weeks, Mia has discovered a love of dancing. She shakes her groove thing and bops her head whenever she hears anything with some rhythm. Commercials, the car radio, me singing, her musical toys. Anything.

On Sunday she was watching her Baby Signing Times video. There's a section called the "Diaper Dance" which teaches the signs for diaper, potty, etc. I caught this on video.

If you're familiar with the signs or the video you'll see how she mimics the movements and tries doing the sign for diaper. Which is to do a pinching motion at your waistline.

See how crazy active this girl is? That's why momma is exhausted most of the time. LOL! She has no fear.

All that hanging on the table guard thing. Oh my lord... That was meant to keep her from smashing her face. Remember how unsteady she was back in these videos? Not anymore.

See how the coffee table is now just pushed against the couch with all the stuff on it in the far corner out of her reach. That's what I've had to resort to in an effort to keep her out of trouble. Somewhat out of trouble anyway. I'm not always successful.

Daycare Update

Mia is thriving in daycare. She loves her sitter, Anita. And she loves Anita's daughter's, Olivia (15) and Maddie (11).

When I first met Anita, she told me Olivia used to bug her about adopting a baby from China. So this was a good fit.

They got the Chinese baby they always wanted with no hassle, no waiting, no paperwork, and no hefty fees. And we got a fabulous sitter. LOL!

They're thrilled to have Mia there every day. And I'm thrilled that they're thrilled. It gives me such peace of mind to know that I can go to work and not worry about my girl. I know she's happy and loved at Anita's house, too.

Most mornings Maddie plays with Mia before heading off to school. We usually either just miss Olivia or she's on the way out the door when I drop Mia off. Mia has started looking for Maddie. It's so cute.

I walk through the garage into what is probably meant to be the family room. But Anita has made that the kid room. There's a small hallway off that to the rest of the house. Mia will now start straining her neck and leaning towards that doorway to see if Maddie's coming. And her face lights up when she sees her Maddie.

She's the first drop off of the day. I really like that it turned out that way. I think it's helped a lot with the transition. That one on one in the morning for a short time before other kids start arriving has made Mia very comfortable with Anita.
 
My plan originally was for her to be cared for in our own house. But now that I know her, I realize being around other kids is what's best for her. She's such an outgoing, social baby.

And I feel like she's developing real relationships with Anita and the girls... that could last her whole life even. There can never be too many people to love my daughter.

So I'm really happy that things worked out the way they did. Maybe everything really does happen for a reason.

Mia is truly blossoming. I've watched her confidence grow so much in the last few months. I'm constantly amazed at how far she's come.

In the beginning, she wouldn't even allow my two closest friends to hold her. They had to work at it for quite awhile. Now she happily goes to both of them. I really think the socialization she gets in daycare has helped with that.

Today at a birthday party, she even allowed both of my male partners to hold her and play with her. This is such a huge thing.

She used to be really apprehensive about going to strangers. She just flat wouldn't go.

But today... with some encouragement from me she did fine. She kept turning to me as if to check in. I felt like she was thinking "if mom is okay with this... then I'm safe." Like she was seeking reassurance.

And the fact that both of them were men was a big deal, too. She's been a little unsure with men. Maybe because that's not what she's used to. There's no dad here, after all.

I know that being around the other kids has also made her more active. I think she's gaining strength, balance and coordination just trying to keep up with everyone else.

Some of it is definitely the right milestones for her age. But I do think being the youngest in a room full of walking and talking little ones is giving her some incentive to get there, too.

So all in all....things are going well. Very well. And I constantly thank my lucky stars that I stumbled upon such a great place for Mia to grow up.

These pictures have nothing to do with the post. They were taken on Labor Day at my sister's house.

Favorite Photo Friday

Blog Slacker

Why haven't I had as much time or energy to blog lately? You're looking at the reason. A certain very mobile 11 mth old is keeping her momma busy.

Mia has discovered her independent streak. She's gotten very brave and very curious. Which spells trouble for me.

She's no longer afraid to venture into other rooms of the house alone. In fact, she prefers it. So she can cause as much destruction as she can before I stop her.

For example, mommy's laptop is off limits. And you see how hard she laughed when I told her no?

One of her favorite spots is the landing at the bottom of the stairs. She loves talking to the baby in the mirror.

And when she thinks I'm not looking... going for the stairs.

She's figured out how to get down from the landing. She crawls to the edge and dives off. I told you she was brave. Don't worry. She catches herself with her hands and lands on her belly. She's gotten really good at it.

In one of her explorations, she got into a tight squeeze. And then couldn't figure out how to get back out.

Maybe she thought Griffey would help her. But mommy had to come to the rescue.

See the vent in the floor under that table? I'm dreading the day she discovers how much fun it is to drop things down in it. That day is coming. I have no doubt.

Mia has plenty of toys to keep her entertained. But she'd much rather pull DVD's off the shelf. And see how the pretty decorative boxes are all askew? Yep... she can now reach the second shelf as well.

Don't let this pretty face fool ya. She's as ornery as they come. And I'm pretty sure it's gonna get worse before it gets better. Wait til this Tasmanian Devil starts walking. I'm exhausted just imagining it!

By the way, the first two photos (in the pink polo dress) were taken exactly a month ago. Look how much the shape of her face has changed and how much longer her hair is. I can't believe how fast she's growing.

Noodles

Favorite Photo Friday

This is a horrible, blurry photo because I forgot to change my camera setting to action. But I love it anyway. Because it shows the pure joy on my daughter's face as her 6 yr old cousin pushes her high in the swing. 

And it reminds me...  that sometimes it's just the simple things that make us the happiest.

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What a Difference

Then

Now

It's amazing to me how much she's changed in only a little over 3 months.

Stay tuned for an update soon. It's just really hard to find time to blog these days.