I am so grateful I get to be Paige's mom. She really gives my life a purpose and a sense of fulfillment I never thought possible. I often feel bad that she is the guinea pig, and has to learn how to put up with a mom who has so much yet to learn. This was my very first attempt at actually "doing" her hair. She was sure I was abusing her, but they turned out cute in the end and she seemed to forgive me quickly. I hope that trait continues....
Developmentally:
Paige started to stand on her own around Thanksgiving. She gets a little more daring each and every day, but still likes standing best when she doesn't know it. Soon after the standing came the walking around each and every piece of furniture. She is all over the place and could totally walk if she put her mind to it. The week before her birthday, we went on our first big family trip to Disneyworld. She managed two steps between my little brother and I, but it scared her and she has refused to try since. For now she is sticking with the furniture, and I am ok with that! Paige is beginning to make meaningful sounds and gestures. She points and grunts for things she wants, mostly these are food items. Paige can 'say' 'uh-oh' and 'wow'. Once in a while these are very clear. Mark and I both swear we heard her say boots when I asked her what shoes she wanted to wear a week ago, but I have yet to hear it again. I can usually get her to babble with me and repeat "mamamama" but I am not sure she is making the connection yet.
On her 1 yr birthday, Paige had 8 teeth and another coming in. She also came down with her first sickness. She never even had a runny nose, but she came down with a double ear infection and a croupy cough on her birthday. It was super sad and we had a terrible time at the doctor. After cancelling her party, I was feeling pretty low her first birthday was ruined. Fortunately, Dad saved the day and brought her some birthday balloons.
Waking up on her big day
Loving her balloons
Things Paige Loves:
Paige loves "Wheels on the Bus." It is her favorite book and she loves to do the actions. She has most of them down, but she especially loves the parents saying "shhh" part. She likes to put her little finger up to my lips and watch me do it. She won't do it to herself, it is really funny to see her little head turn around and her little pointer finger headed my way. Paige loves food, especially ice cream, or anything Dad and Grandpa have on their plates. She is the biggest mooch. I often thought the dog was bad, but Paige has caught on to the begging--she is usually more successful. Paige loves all things soft, especially her special blanket. She snuggles her face into soft things and grinds her teeth in glee. Good thing there is a dentist in the family. Paige loves anything she considers a tool. The best way to keep her occupied at a restaurant is to give her a straw, chopsticks, or utensils and crumbs she can push around with her tool of choice.
Preparing to make a mess of some sort. It is usually best to keep all important things away from the tools.
Her little motor skills are pretty talented and she loves to draw. She even holds the pen, pencil, or whatever correctly. She will even adjust it if it is upside down. I bought a magna doodle for our trip, and I was surprised that Paige was really entertained by it. Paige LOVES the tub. When she hears the water running, she makes a break for it, even if it isn't for her. My favorite is weekends when Mark is home and I get to actually shower or bathe without trying to break my previous speed record. Without fail, Paige sneaks off (I am sure this has less to do with her stealth and more with Mark's oblivion) pushes the door open, pulls the curtain back, and grins big at me. The days of bathing alone, in solitude are over. She has no fear of water and loves to swim as well:
My cute little fish!
Paige loves to dance and breaks it down to pretty much anything. She has even figured out how to turn on music on Mark's iphone. The crazy girl is addicted to electronics, especially ones that make sounds she can groove to. Paige loves people and loves to be out and about. She definitely knows how to manipulate and get her way--easy to do when you are cute. She loves to see things and wants all around to "behold" whatever it is she has found exciting. I love when the "behold" hand comes out and she gestures and ooooos and what she wants me to see. Paige has recently become a little sensitive and when she feels offended stares at the floor indefinitely until the lip finally comes out and the tears flow. Sometimes this is all in silence and she looks up with tear filled eyes. It is heartbreaking. However, she has learned this gets a lot of attention, so now she does it and will look up with a big 'ole manipulative smile. Little stinker that is too smart for her own good!
This month has been very busy for us between our vacation, Paige's birthday, and Christmas. Disneyworld was awesome and it was great being able to see my entire family. We stayed in an amazing townhouse that worked out perfectly. We were able to hit Disney for 3 days and SeaWorld for 2. All the parks were decked out for Christmas and it was a perfect time to be there--right before the real Christmas rush. We actually ended up having the best time at SeaWorld. It was less crowded and the animals were really fun. Magic Kingdom was great because Paige was able to ride a lot of the rides and actually enjoyed them. She was seriously mesmerized on It's a Small World. She could have ridden it all day. Paige did great and was amazing each and every day. I was so nervous how she would do, but she took everything in stride, even the plane. Here are a few pictures of our trip:
Her first plane ride, and first sucker--not BJ, the ring pop;)
Rocking her first visit button. Despite the way it looks in all these pictures, she was allowed out of the stroller.
One of her favorite rides, one of our least favorite thrill rides.
LOVED SeaWorld! This was our second time hitting the park up.
Amazing decor at Hollywood Disney. Don't worry, it got cooler when it synced with the music.
The castle all Christmased up.
For those of you who are tired of this post, I am sorry. I have to quickly cover Paige's birthday. I will leave Christmas for another day for your behalf. We had to celebrate Paige's day a few days after since she was a sick pup the day of, but it ended up being a fun night--until it came to the birthday song. The poor thing hates the birthday song. She cried when it was sung on my birthday, and she hung her head in shame followed by a few tears on her birthday. Regardless, she thought the cake eating was pretty amazing. I thought I was looking forward to the big cake event, but I soon realized that my ocd would not allow me to enjoy it. It was torture watching her make a mess all over my floor, her chair, herself. It took a lot of counting of ten to allow it to happen. I am not crafty, but I tried to make a cute cake for Paige. Paige's birthday is certainly a day of remembrance. I pray dearly I will never forget all the mixed feelings I had that whole month, but especially that day. I have never been so excited but SO scared in my whole life. Adoption is not for the faint of heart. It was definitely an interesting time. Each year will be a celebration and a day of gratitude. I know that somewhere someone will ache each and every year on the 15th of December. I am so grateful to that special angel who allowed me to be a mom. Each year, we will sing her praises and honor her for her decision to give Paige a loving mother and father who cherish her each and everyday. Now for a few pictures from Paige's party:
My attempt at cuteness
A girl ready for a party
Miss beautiful eyes...hardly notice the cute hat
Threatening to touch me if I disrupt the fun, notice the tool
Doesn't quite get the opening presents deal
This was actually my birthday, but you can see how much she likes the birthday song.
We love our little miss Paige. She is our greatest blessing and I feel like the luckiest person in the world that I get to be her mom. I hope I don't fail her or her birthmom. I have so much to learn. Paige is the sweetest baby and has brought such a special spirit into our home. Hopefully I can get Christmas on here soon. I get so nervous about getting behind and not documenting everything. I am sure I don't do enough and someday will regret it. I hope the holidays have treated all of you well!
