She's One Year Old!!!

Our darling little daughter turned one year old this past Tuesday, November 17th.  We are so exceptionally grateful for the Lord allowing us this vibrant little bundle of joy!  This has been a year of great changes for us, consisting mostly of experiences unexpected given our naivete of parenthood.

Gilana had her one year checkup on the 18th, and her stats are as follows:

1. Height: 30 inches, 78%
2. Weight: 21.3 lbs, 52%
3. Head: 18 3/4 inches, 97%

She received a round of shots and did not enjoy the experience, bursting into tears before the final shot was even administered.  She made quite a good impression on the doctor, however.  Gigi is apparently above the average development in her physical abilities (she's been running for some time now), has good comprehension of what is said to her (the doctor asked Gilana to stick out her tongue, and she responded admirably!), and can say quite a few words (apparently the average at this point is three).

Gilana's current words are:

1. Daddy 
2. Doggie
3. Duckie (the D words often sound alike, though)
4. Mama (her oldest word, but it refers to several things, occasionally me)
5. Nana (Banana- refers to all food in general)
6. Hot (she whispers this one very seriously when referring to a hot object, [oven, candle, fire, steaming object] shouts it when referring to an object she is not allowed to touch)
7. Hot Tea (a steaming mug or any mug in general)
8. Chank Choo (Thank you- she says this when giving us something)  :) 

I will post more when I can!

It's almost 4 am

Am I supposed to be sleeping right now?  I guess this is all part of pregnancy.  The wee little babe is practicing her tricks at keeping Mom awake in the future.  This time is a great reminder on how I should make such occasions profitable by reading something beneficial and going through a prayer list.  Moments like this make me so keenly aware of the blessings that abound in my life.  The hope of heaven, an excellent husband, beautiful daughter, coming-soon baby, sweet family... So much to inspire praises lifted unto heaven!!

Now, to sleep!

Hot Words!

I have recently been teaching Gilana about hot things, such as the oven, fireplace, candles, and mugs. After pointing to objects that she has been warned about she whispers "Hot" very seriously.  She really understood the concept after she waved her hand over a lighted candle and I reiterated the word.  Now she knows not to touch!

Yesterday morning Gigi brought me her Curious George book and we read about his birthday party. When it showed pictures of George blowing out his candles, Gilana looked ready to participate.  I explained that he had to blow out the "hot candles" and she started blowing at the picture.  So cute!!  In preparation for her birthday celebration in two weeks, I figured candle-blowing would be a good thing to practice, so I lit two candles and watched as she expertly blew them both out!  Will she still remember how to do that when party day comes? 


Gilana is becoming increasingly observant about speech.  Yesterday she copied me after I said "Thank You" when she brought me a toy.  She said "Chank Choo." Brilliant!  ;-)

All's Well!

Our appointment with the doctor went great! On Thursday, October 29th, the baby was estimated to weigh 5lbs, 1oz and appeared to be very healthy. There is no obvious reason why I went into labor at 32 weeks, but for now am instructed to gradually increase my activity level. I was pretty shaky at first, but am feeling very good now and can pick up Gilana! Trekking up the stairs with her is a little rough at times, but in desperate moments, I just encourage her to take herself upstairs to bed!

I am so grateful for the Lord's provision in caring for our little family during this time. It all has made me much more appreciative for all we have.