Updates

Finally, we've made it back alive. How we did it is beyond me. In the long run, it will definitely make all three of us stronger people, but for now, I'm still left with something that is suspiciously reminiscent of an ulcer, or a stomach flu that won't go away.

Sitting here in a semi-dark kitchen with a fading, but golden light in the sky, I can honestly say that life has never been more challenging, or more rewarding prior to motherhood. Moments like now are almost impossible to come by, and if not for the stubborn jet-lag, or possible new tooth coming in, I may not get another one like it for a long time.

Since we've been back, M has definitely crossed some important growth threshold. She has been extremely alert (even more so than before), interactive, affectionate and communicative. Her affections are no longer strictly breast related; there seems to be clear joy in having other body contact. She will take my hand, grab my legs, lean on my back while I'm on the floor, giggle, smile and laugh. It still amazes me to see her smile, and when her face lights up, I still find my eyes tearing up. I could never have imagined motherhood to be this intense.

M will be one-year old in a few weeks. We're planning a little party for us, and she may decide to join us from time to time if she wishes :) Everybody is welcome, and as a party is with children, you are free to come and go as you wish. We are delighted to share any part of this event with our friends and families. The birthday celebration will be a day of celebration.

While we were talking to Auntie Mande last night via Skype video, :) it occurred to me that I haven't updated Mia's changing likes and dislikes for a long time. So here it goes:

M gets great joy out of listening to upbeat music and loves (LOVES ) to dance to it. She hums along occasionally and moves and rocks to the rhythm. She enjoys flipping through books, magazines, especially the page turning part. M definitely doesn't care for plush toys of any sort, doesn't seem to like toys at all. Pictures of friends on the wall, posters and recognizable faces definitely peak her interests. She loves shoes, particularly likes to chew on them. She's managed to figure out how to un-velcro her own from time to time, so she can take them off to chew them. M has 6 teeth now, and more are coming in as we speak. She is in the stage when putting things in and out of boxes really intrigue her.

Time to feed for the parents, good night, world :)