Bethany is 11 months old!

Happy 11 months Bethany (technically 1 more day to go)! It's been 17 days since Bethany has been home and without a doubt she is a perfect addition to our family. We are extremely grateful for a smooth transition and feel so blessed to have had the privilege of adopting her. Thank you God for sovereignly choosing Bethany to become part of our family.... what a truly wonderful gift she is!

In the short time she's been with us, we've quickly discovered that she is the sweetest thing ever! I would describe her personality as easy-going, content and happy. She smiles easily and has the cutest little laugh and "happy sounds" that melt my heart. But I will warn you - if you cross her, she'll be sure to let you know!

She entertains herself easily with the toys around her and likes to bang on things to make noise. Her favorite toys by far are these colored plastic balls that she bangs together to make a clacking sound and an electronic drum that she bangs with the palm of her hands. She also likes paper. Whether it be a napkin or Austin's homework, she likes to take it and crinkle it in her hands. I can just imagine one of these days, Austin having to tell his teacher that his little sister ruined his homework. Guess he won't be needing "the dog ate my homework" excuse. :)

She still dislikes her baths but is doing much better with everything else I mentioned in my previous post (thank goodness!). She can still sleep as much as 14 hours a night and could sleep even longer if we didn't wake her. She has adjusted well to the crib ever since her fourth night home and will usually go in willingly to take a nap or go down for the night.

Our girl also loves to eat! She will gladly eat any type of food we give her and will take an average of 6-8 ounces of formula at every feeding. Give her any type of sweets like snacks or fruit and she becomes a voracious eater. Give her something she particularly enjoys and she'll smile, laugh and do a happy dance in her high chair. No wonder I call her "little miss piggy" and "miss jiggly puff" (this one is more in reference to her chubs and rolls).

She also likes to watch her big brother and smiles every time he gives her hugs and kisses. Although Austin loves his baby sister, he does not want anything to do with her drool. To his credit, Austin is my official "Bethany's bottom sniffer" and is quick to help out as long as there's no drool involved. :)

She is still pretty uncomfortable around most men. She'll slowly warm up to all the Aunties but the Uncles are a different story. Now if we could maintain this discomfort all the way up to her college years, it would sure make her teenage years a lot easier. ;)

She does like her Daddy though but will be the first to let him know she prefers Mommy instead. Fortunately, Sam is very understanding and aware of Bethany's situation so instead of feeling hurt and sad, he continues to be persistent in his love and care for her. It warms my heart to see just how much he loves his little girl. :)

Content to play with her favorite colored balls.

Mommy's making me practice having independent play time.

She says it will help maintain her sanity. :)

 

Give me a snack and I'll smile for you every time!

Spending some quality time with big brother.

As you can see, Bethany was more than willing to give Austin's nugget a try.
Too bad Mommy and Daddy said no.

I'm happy to report that she is much more at ease with other people.
This makes Grandma very happy too.

She even let Emily unni feed her and let Auntie Nancy change her diaper.
This is a huge step! :)