The Lacher Family

Six months ago, I turned 33. So yes, that makes today my half birthday. (Please, no gifts unless it is the gift of sleep, ha!) But also, six months ago, I couldn’t wait for my birthday to be over, because the next day we knew there was a possibility that we would be matched with our daughter.

And we were. And it was amazing. At the first glimpse of her face, we just knew.

So here we are at One. As in one month since we arrived home. I spend a lot of time writing about how sleep is not going well and how that really leads to breakdowns in other areas (especially for me.) But I think it is important to look at all that has happened in the last month:

• Julia met her sisters, and has begun to play and interact with them.  In turn, Emily and Norah are so sweet with their sister (albeit a bit overbearing at times in their love and eagerness).
• She has overcome (maybe?) the 12 hour time difference and adjusted to our local time.
• She has gotten 2 more teeth.
• She has gone from eating only baby food and liquids out of a bottle to eating pretty much everything we eat and drinking from a sippy cup at meals.
• She has begun trusting both Daddy AND Mommy for her care.
• Her hard moments during the day are lessening, and she recovers much quicker from those she has.
• She has developed a pretty consistent daily routine.
• She naps in her crib, typically for 1-2 hrs each day.
• She has recognizable words (to us anyway) for hi, uh-oh, Nuba, hello, up
• She can sign “more” and “please” and we hope to teach her more signs soon (we have some learning to do)
• She makes extended eye contact, gives kisses and cuddles, and sleeps well with one of us at night (which shows positive attachment)
• We have discovered that she is ticklish and her belly laugh is absolutely delightful.
• She can crawl super fast and can walk with some support.  She can even stand for a few moments on her own (although she doesn’t really trust herself yet.)
• She has captured our hearts and shown us that saying yes to God doesn’t mean that His path will be easy.  But that His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in weakness. (Boy have we been giving Him a lot to work with in that area!)

Happy One Month Home Julia.  Mommy & Daddy love you.