One month ago

Ngo Minh Hanh was placed in our arms and entrusted to our loving care.  In many ways, it seems like years ago.  This has been the fullest and most meaningful month of our lives. Here are two photos from April 8th, and one from last night.

Visit to the SE CT Children's Museum

We spent about an hour and a half yesterday at this baby and toddler-friendly museum in Niantic, CT. Beatrice didn't quite know what to do at first, so did what she always does to cope when overwhelmed: find something that's familiar and focus on that.  So the first 30 minutes were spent shaking little rattles.  Then she ventured out into touching the textured balls, wandered through the Global Village watching Papa act crazy (that's him pretending he's Senor Pedro flipping tortillas), watching herself on TV, etc.  She enjoyed banging on some drums, looking in funky mirrors, and she was totally petrified of the organ.  Looks like we're a very long way away from piano lessons......

Remember Troll Doll Pencils?

You'd rub the pencil between your hands and the troll's neon-colored hair would defy gravity? Tonight after I dried Bizou's hair in the tub, I had a flashback to them.....

Ticklish Toes and Company

Have I mentioned that Beatrice has incredibly ticklish feet?  They curl right up as soon as you touch them, then she withdraws her leg up to her pelvis, then she puts it back for more. She did that when Nathan and Rachael visited today, and with Anthony yesterday. She also belly laughs when Sula plays ball and I'll try to get a video of that some time soon. Here's a photo too of new friend Lucy going in for a kiss on Bizou yesterday.  They had a great time together, or at least the 4 parents did, and we hope to meet up on a regular basis.  The girls are only weeks apart in age.  Despite a couple of rough nights sleep, Beatrice had a wonderful day today.  We went to the nursing home to visit my 102-year old great aunt and my cousin's grandmother who's 95+ and she was a big hit.  She charms everyone, or at least women (still shy with men) wherever we go.  She also said "bye" today when she was waving to leave, and "up" yesterday when we were playing "up and down." She understands "blow a kiss" and is finally helping me get her dressed and undressed by lifting her arms, etc.  I feel like we are communicating better and better each day.  Anthony's been spending some time alone with her and putting her down for naps so that when I go back to work the shock won't be so great.  Part of me thinks I should give them even more time together and leave the house when she's awake for a few hours but another part of me says spend every minute that I can with her.  I just can't wait until summer vacation and I know that by the end of that time, late August, we will really have a routine down, her receptive language will be great, and we'll all just feel comfortable enough so I can settle back to work full-time.  

Weekend Happenings

Man if I don't blog every day, I really get behind.  Here are some photos of the weekend highlights including....

a.  first "Saturday pancakes" (a long-standing Brodeur tradition)

b.  My little Gumby hanging out at the breakfast table 

c.  deep conversation with Uncle Dan

d.  Truman and Hank giggling the day away

e.  Truman and Hank saying goodbye to their sleeping cousin

f.  learning about marbles from new friend Benjamin

g.  disturbing Ben's and Bea's playtime for a photo

h.  she's just starting to sit and pay attention to books.  Thank you Ben for my new favorite one!

Beatrice had many firsts this weekend.  For the past 2 days she has put her toothbrush in her mouth and tonight she actually let me brush her teeth!  Dr. Schick will be so happy.  She also tried spinach tonight and ate about a tablespoon.  Anthony is thrilled to have another spinach eater in the house.  The first mashed potatoes, in which the spinach was hidden, were a huge hit too. It was nice to have a successful family dinner in the dining room.

My criteria for "success....?" everyone ate, no one screamed, nothing got broken,  it lasted more than five minutes, and no food needed to be cleaned up off the ceiling, walls or floor.