Does She Have Any Teeth?

Maryn didn't have any teeth when we got her. It didn't stop her from eating anything, but getting teeth have certainly helped. She got her bottom middle teeth the weekend of her birthday and the upper middle teeth a couple weeks later. She is a very busy baby and often difficult to get a good picture. Rich got this picture of her teeth right after a diaper change.

How's She Sleeping and Eating?

We are asked these questions often. After our initial transition, getting used to her own room, own bed, being by herself and the time change, Maryn sleeps very well, 12 hours at night and two two hour naps. She likes to sleep with her "blugy" (a tag blanket made by Aunt Cindy and named by Abby, a combination of "blanket"and "lovey.") and at least one of her dolls.

Maryn has had some lactose intolerance, a residual issue from the virus she had in China, but other than that she eats anything! She is learning to feed herself and doesn't care if she gets sticky or dirty. She has recently decided she prefers "real" food instead of baby food. When we sit down to eat she surveys everyone else's plate to see if there is anything else out there she might enjoy!

Presents!

We have been blessed with an abundance of wonderful baby gifts! Maryn has quickly learned how to open a present. She throws tissue and rips wrapping paper. Sometimes she even likes what is in the package, but as with most babies, she loves the ribbons and boxes! In addition to all the baby gifts we've received, Maryn celebrated her first birthday and attended her own baby shower...not too many babies can make that claim! Thank you for all the gifts! We especially appreciate the support of our family and friends.

A Fresh Start

Many people have been asking me to send pictures and want to know how we are doing so I'm going to attempt to keep our blog more up to date. I'm going to go back to September and share with you some of the highlights of the past several months! It's hard to belive we've only had Maryn for 2+ months. She has blended into our family so well. She brings us much joy!

In September, Maryn did her exploring by crawling. I was amazed at how she fit herself into such small places, like next to the washing machine. She also discovered my paper basket and has repeatedly tried to "help" me reorganize.

Persistent bugs

Well, I'd love to say that we're all healthy and back to normal. But, I can't. Sherry and I are almost back to 100%, but Josh continues to struggle. Yesterday, we went to the pediatrician in the morning and they were concerned that he was still dehydrated (even though his been drinking a fair amount of liquid). Based on that, they sent us to the Emergency room to get an IV. Several hours and 2 liters of fluid later, we were done. So far, he's missed the last 4 days of school.

Chinese Stomach Bugs

Well, it's 9:30pm and I (Rich) just got home from my 6 hour visit at the Urgent Care center. After a liter and a half of IV and the start on some powerful antibiotics, I feel a little better. The doctor definitely thought it was a combination of a stomach bug and dehydration. Now that I'm home, it's Sherry's turn. We swapped cars on her way there and my way home. I home that the IV does as much for her as it did for me. Now, all we have to do is keep everyone else healthy (and back on a normal schedule). Maryn still doesn't seem to know when it's night and day. Neither does Caleb. They both woke up around 3:00am this morning. Of course, then Caleb fell asleep later and slept most of the day. Tomorrow won't be pretty as he has to get on a closer to normal schedule; given that school start on Tuesday. Thanks to all our friends and neighbors that stepped in today with food, more food, and baby sitting.

100% Home, not yet 100% Healthy

Rich and Josh made it home safely last night! Josh was feeling well enough to travel and is on the mend. Rich and I have come down with some stomach issue and Maryn is having some problems again, though you'd never know it if you could see her playing on the floor in front of me. She was "reading" some books a while ago. Now she is banging on a package of baby wipes with one of her sandals and laughing at herself in between smiling at me. :)

We appreciate your continued prayers that we are all healthy very soon!