Bethany at 17 months

Bethany is now 17 months and has been with us for almost 7 months. She is such a joy and even though adding one more to our family was and continues to be a big transition, we are all so thankful to have Bethany in our lives. I can't imagine our family without her!

My last update was when she was 14 months old and although much remains the same, she's also changed in so many ways. Unfortunately, her adorable happy dance is a thing of the past as I can't even remember the last time she's done it. About a month ago, her well known "ho ho...." stopped altogether and I regret not taking video of it. I knew she wouldn't do these things forever but it's just another reminder of how quickly our children change and grow right before our eyes.

She still loves food and has never refused or disliked anything we've given her. She continues to be a great sleeper and will dole out open mouthed kisses to whomever asks. She's a climber, a laundry messer upper, a singer and a pianist. She's got the juiciest thighs and the softest, plumpest tummy you'll ever see. She loves her baths but isn't quite fond of the pool. She's my litle cuddle bug who likes to flip through books, tear magazines and suck on big brother's nerf darts even though she knows she's not supposed to. She tests her boundaries one minute and is an absolute angel the next.

Much to my delight, Bethany has been making more of an effort to learn to walk. Before when I would try to hold her up to stand, she would immediately plop down and go about crawling. Just within the last two weeks or so, she has let me hold her hands as she wobbles to and fro. Bethany has also become more communicative. Although she's not yet using words, she has a lot to say and communicates with us through her many expressions, sounds, and motions.

When I remember to, I try to speak Korean to Bethany. So far she seems to understand the Korean words for mom, dad, brother, grandmother, kiss, please give it to me, please don't touch, I love you and milk. We're also working on body parts in Korean but nose is the only one she gets consistently right. Since I'm most comfortable speaking English, I naturally end up speaking English most of the time. So far, I know Bethany understands words like night-night, please, gentle, stop, no thank you and all done.

At home Bethany is playful and all smiles but she tends to be more reserved and serious when we are out. Friends have jokingly asked if she makes any noise at all (hence the video below). She is still very easy going and sweet natured, but like any other child, she's not without her challenges. As I shared with my flock group girls this past Wednesday, my sweet Bethany definitely has another side to her. Her other side is the willful and stubborn Bethany who wants what she wants exactly when and how she wants it. If she doesn't get her way, she'll burst into tears and will want nothing more to do with you or whatever else she was asking for in the first place. This other side of Bethany makes me laugh and cringe all at the same time. Oh how I love her! :)

As I sit here typing, I can see Bethany on our video monitor sound asleep in her crib. She's been home for 7 months now and sometimes I still can't believe she's actually mine. I love her so much and I am so thankful to God for such a dear and precious gift. I truly feel so blessed to be her mother.