This child makes me deliriously happy. She amazes me, really. She is so open and willing to trust and to give and receive affection, despite spending her first fifteen months in an orphanage and being handed over, four and a half months ago, to a couple of complete strangers who looked and sounded like nothing she had ever seen. On occasion I see a hint of insecurity, usually having to do with myself, or Doug, leaving. And of course, like any toddler, she can get very upset when something doesn't go her way or she's over-tired, but she really is just a happy, sweet, energetic baby. She's come a long way recently,too. A couple of Sundays ago, she stayed in the church nursery without me for the first time. And this week she stayed with Doug's parents by herself for the first time and did great. My mom usually watches her on the days that I work, but she's vacationing in Gatlinburg this week.

She had a routine checkup and got 2 shots today (at mommy's office). The poor thing was fine until we walked in the exam room and she lost it. She knows what it means now, after 3 sets of shots within 4 1/2 months. Dr Rash pronounced her healthy and she now weighs in at 26 pounds, is 32 inches tall, and has a head circumference of 18 3/4 inches.

She's such an adorable little melon-head, though, if you ask me.