This Girl!

Back in February, a social worker from CHI spent some time at the Thomas Center getting to know the children there.  When she returned to the states, she sent a report and pictures of the children to the families who were waiting for them.  She called me while she was waiting for her flight out of D.C. and filled me in on what she had observed with our girl.  She told me that Addie "liked to party" and be right in the middle of the action.  At the time, I was surprised because we had not seen that side of her at all.  She just wanted to be held when we visited her for court and we happily obliged.  She wanted that again when she arrived home, but it didn't take long before she was comfortable and ready to explore.  We have since discovered that the assessment we received in February was pretty accurate.  Addie loves to have a good time and much of that is created by her own silly personality.  She seriously cracks us up.

I have been told by certain members of my household that they are annoyed with my frequent use of the word "moist" because apparently I use it a lot regarding Addie.  It is a strange word to be sure, but it often accurately describes our little stinker.  When she arrived at O'Hare in April, her shirt was drenched with slobber from teething.  That continues off and on as she cuts additional teeth.  When we took her to the pediatrician for the first time, we asked about some spots of discoloration on her face, chin, and neck.  The culprit?  You guessed it - MOISTURE!  She likes to drink water and dribble it on her shirt for fun.  She also loves to get her hands on the spray bottle that I use to wet her hair.  In the bathtub, she goes a little crazy with splashing and trying to drink the bathwater.  Addie sleeps quite soundly and when she wakes up, she is usually incredibly sweaty and disheveled and it is just about the cutest thing ever.  She is generally smothered with kisses upon waking because that is when she is most cuddly.  Speaking of kisses, she really likes to give them. 

This is a picture of her "puckering up." Notice the moisture? And the teeth? Who could resist that face?

A kiss for JJ

Another moisure inducing activity: the raspberry.  This one is fairly new, but she really seems to enjoy it thoroughly.  It is especially fun because she drenches everyone near her with her amazing skills.  This is part of the reason that the seating arrangements in our vehicle have been modified.  Sena is not so much a fan of the spittle.

Within 30 seconds of playing with the water table, she was soaked from head to toe.  Part of that was due to the fact that she was drinking the water.  But she had FUN!

Mealtimes are MESSY!

"Mommy, why do you always ruin my fun and tell me not to drink the bathwater?"

Baby burrito.  Oh how I love her!

This girl laughs a lot.  I love that she is so happy!

Having fun with Ethan

This is probably my favorite activity of all.  Sometimes she snuggles and other times, it is like feeding a tarantula.  Judging by her leg in this picture, I'm guessing this was a tarantula feeding.

It has been so much fun to watch Addie's personality blossom during the past weeks.  She has brought so much joy to our family and we are thankful for the blessing of this beautiful (and busy) baby girl!