1/21/05
Yesterday Alia had her doctors appointment. She appears to be perfectly healthy. We did have them document
the mongolian spots as we have heard stories of daycare providers or babysitters not knowing what they are and reporting parents
for abuse after seeing them.
Unfortunatley they wanted to run a million tests on Alia. She also had to get 3 shots. The bloodwork was
awful. We spent 30 minutes with them (had to get others with more experience at one point) trying to draw on her.
They tried one hand and one are a couple times. It was ugly. Daddy had to do it - I had to keep leaving that wing
of the hospital - you could hear her all over the floor. If they didnt get enough I'm not sure I can take her back after
all of that.
Alia has been sick today with a fever, the runs and spitting up. The shots made her good and sick and she
is not very happy. Spent most of the day holding her. Poor baby.
Alia has started rocking/dancing to classical music. I was wishing I had some kid cd's today when I remembered
I have the Baby Mozart DVD. I put it on so she could listen to it. To my amazement she sat there and watched the
DVD. She has never shown any interest in the tv prior to this (which I liked). I cant believe she watched the
whole thing. Maybe its because she was less active today being sick.
We are also learning to clap. Actually, I clap, then I make her hands clap. She then gets one of her hands
going, gets frustrated, and then grabs my hands to make hers do it again. She is so smart! She definatley has determination
also.
Blowing rasberries has become a favorite past time. She puckers those lips out like a duck beak! The
rest of us are in stitches. She has also found her voice and babbles non-stop lately. They are surpised at
the amount of different sounds she is already making.
Busy weekend! Angelica is staying with us as her sister and mother are at a retreat this weekend. Plus we
need to take the baby to see a friend over in Iowa. We also need to get back to church this weekend now that we are
all settled in. Dion leaves TDY on Monday.
I also need to get all the photos made so I can get Alia's announcements mailed out. Every time I get a chance
to go do it she is either sick or something else important needs to be taken care of. I've forgotten how little you can get
done with a little one!
Great news this weekend! Stayce is having a girl! I'll have another little niece (and someone close
to Alia's age!)
2/2/05
Alia is 10 months old today.
We are eating more baby food but still not even up to 3 times a day. She is taking less formula though.
We sit! Its only been a few times, but I have watched her go from laying on the floor to a sitting position.
Mostly she doesnt make it and just gets mad and fusses about it.
Alia tolerated the church nursery okay. I stayed with her. She loved all the toys. But it was all pretty
overwhelming - if I was to guess by the 3 hour nap she took when we got home.
Got my half of the announcements in the mail! Dont know if Dion has mailed his yet. Do need to get to the
post office as I have a few that are being sent with presents for some of the kids we missed at Christmas.
This week Alia has decided to look for me and cry whenever I let someone else hold her. I think she is figuring
out that we belong to her now.
Friday we have a meeting at the agency to share our stories with the people going to China in the coming months.
The Vortherms will be coming down from Crieghton.
Then Saturday is the Chinese New Year Celebration with the FCC. We look forward to going to that and seeing the
Lion Dance. The Vortherms are going to stay overnight and come to that also. I cant wait to see Emma! (And
the rest of them of course!)
The rest of the week is pretty busy. Lots going on out this way! And DeDe might try to make a trip up to
see the baby. We cant wait to show her off!
2/9/05
Well, we were notified by the doctor that Alia has Giardia. She has a medicine she has to take for a week. Unfortunatly
she keeps spitting it in my face instead of getting it in her tummy so I dont know if we are getting enough in her.
It is a very bitter medicine and we cant even hide it in a bottle or food. We have to sneak up on her and
do a tag team attack to even get it in her mouth.
Otherwise all is well. Alia is sitting up by herself now. We are just waiting for her to begin crawling -
she goes just a little. She is also "talking" a lot more and laughing now. She has a funny laugh.
We have snow and cold again. I wish it would warm up so I can take Alia outside more. I think we will get
a zoo pass this year so we can go walk around when its nice.
