a little something on your nose...

I couldn't resist...this is a photo that Aunt Leslie took of Maya on Thanksgiving..enjoying some pie with Uncle Mark!
sorry it's sideways...it wasn't turned this way on the original...blogger must've done it!

One month...

One month ago today, Maya was placed in my arms, where we became a forever family. What a month it has been! We continue to learn more and more about each other with each new day.
Here are some random thoughts...

I love Maya's smile! When Maya smiles, her whole face participates! I love the way that she crinkles up her nose and squints up her eyes.

Her belly laugh and occasional snort are quite contageous! When you really get her going....she will snort through her laughter...which makes mama laugh harder...which makes Maya laugh harder...and on and on...

I love the way that Maya dances. When we are in the car...I can see her waving her hands in the air to the beat of the music. If we are at home...she will do the toddler bob...just bouncing up and down on her little tiny legs.

Maya's resilience is unmatched! When she has an idea...and you don't care to go along with her idea, she will let you know it!

She is also very loving. Maya loves to give mama kisses. She's been known to dole them out to other family members, too!

Maya has learned alot these past 30 days....

~ sign language: more, up, all done, cracker, help, milk & bye-bye
~ language: mama, cracker, bubbles
~ her walking is getting better and better each day. She has taken approx 20 steps on her own as long as I walk in front of her, coaxing her along
~ she can feed herself with a fork and a spoon - although the fork is a bit harder to navigate
~ she can turn the lights off when I ask her to
~ whenever we walk in the front door, she always wants to help me by placing the keys on the shelf just inside the door (right where they belong!)


Maya is getting more and more comfortable with family and friends

Oh...and she loves to eat! Her favorite foods right now are cheese, graham crackers, grapes, yogurt and applesauce

I cannot WAIT to see what the next 30 days bring!

Happy Thanksgiving!

There's not much to say that is not coveyed in the brief conversation that I overheard my 3 yr old niece say to her mom...."I'm thankful for Maya"

Me too, sweet girl, me too!

a little pre-meal swing-time with our friends Zoe and Laney

I like to smile right after the flash!

playing in the kitchen with cousin Charlotte
Charlotte is 5 months younger than Maya, but they
are about the same size...aren't they CUTE?!?!

this is where I will be sitting next year - Grandpa held my place for me
this year while I sat at the grown-up table with Mom.
Thanks, Grandpa!

YUM...mashed potatoes!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our friends and family!