The things I have learned

Now that we are home, I am really beginning to learn about Sara's likes and dislikes - and basically just about her in general.  It was very hard to determine her personality sitting in a hotel room with very little to do with a toddler.  Besides that, everyone was tired and it was difficult just to make it thru the day, let alone really absorb my new daughter.  But since I have been home, I have found out a lot about Ms. Sara Joy:

She is shy.  She is quiet around new people and only opens up when she is really comfortable.  There is no pushing her into doing anything or interacting with anyone she does not want to.  She just won't do it.

She has bonded really well with her momma!  I've been doing most of the care giving, so that's understandable.  Tim has offered to help, but Sara is a bit more comfortable with me right now.  Tim understands this and really just wants Sara to be content, so he is waiting patiently.  Also, Tim leaves in a week to go to Basel and I will be home by myself with her this week while Tim is at work and then next week while he is in Basel, so it was very important for her to get comfortable with me.

Sara loves her brother and sister.  It didn't take her long to warm up to Cameron and Anna.  I think it was because they are kids.  She is used to all sorts of kids.  Plus they are a little darker complected, so it's more along the lines of what she is used to.  No matter what the reason, she loves them.  AND... they are both SMITTEN by her.  Even Cameron.  It really surprised me.  I was sure Anna would be in love with her, but I figured Cameron, being 11, would be a bit disinterested.  Nope, he is in love with her.  It's so sweet to see him help her up and down stairs and make sure she doesn't get hurt.  Anna would love to change her diaper... not sure I'm up for that one yet!

Sara is an EXCELLENT sleeper.  After just two nights AND the change for daylight savings time, she is on a normal schedule.  She goes to sleep around 7:30 or 8:00 and will sleep until about 6:00.  Perfect!

Sara wakes up happy!  She gets out of bed easily and likes to chatter right after waking up.

She LOVES her bath. 

She LOVES to eat.  We're working with her on eating too much.  They fed her a TON at the orphanage.

She is happy when her belly is full.

She likes to wander around the house - she has already figured out which room is hers and the fact that this is where she can sleep, play and where her toys are.

She is a helper.  She picks things up constantly to give them to you.

She understands a TON of English.  She did not hear much of it at the transition home, so she clearly picked up on it quickly. 

She likes grandma's chicken noodle soup - well everything but the chicken.  She spit that out.

She LOVES, LOVES, LOVES bananas.

She does not like Pearl - she is finally to the point of tollerating her.  You can see progress every day.

She does not like the cats, but does like them more than Pearl.

She does NOT like the swings at the park.

She LOVES to walk outside. 

She responds to "Sara".  When I call her she will say "huh".  I'll have to work on her manners :)

She enjoys being outside.

She falls alseep in an instant.  She will cry for less than one minute and then she is out.

She is a WIGGLER in bed.  I mean ALL OVER THE PLACE.

She doesn't like to get her teeth brushed.  Probably just not used to it.

She likes to be active.

She actually likes to snuggle, but on her terms, not yours.

She helps you get her dressed.  She puts her arms in the sleeves and her legs in the pant holes and holds her feet out to put on her socks.  Too cute!

It has been very interesting since we have been home learning all about this little girl.  I'm sure it's just the tip of the iceberg!

In Christ,
Charity