11 Month Update

Take 10: the closest shot compared to the past months

We regrouped and settled for this.

This just gets better and better!

Rachel is developing even more of her personality, now that she really knows how to imitate (like sticking out her tongue or scrunching her nose) and socialize. What a joy it's been to watch her discover new food, new people, and new surroundings.

What's been fun:

- loves Dancing and music! She shakes her butt and waves her arms (usually while pointing at the same time), and head bangs to the music

- Loves animals- she gets extra excited when she sees a bird or the frog Hopkins from baby signing time

- Bookworm! She looks at a book and signs "please" asking me to read it to her, which currently entails her flipping the pages as fast as she can.

- signing "please". In efforts to establish manners, we taught this to her and it looks like she is scratching her armpit, like a monkey, but it's close enough and consistent :)

- Fake laughing - to get your attention, Rachel likes to send a chuckle your way and see if you will chuckle back

- new versions of peek-a-boo: now she knows how to hide behind the couch and then pop out to surprise you! She also likes to cover her face and we say "where's Rachel?" Then she uncovers her face and giggles!

What's been not so fun:

- First Cold - Rachel got sick for the first time and had green snot for 10 days straight. That made for some pretty bad napping.

- Back Issues - it's been taking longer than expected for Mommy's back to heal, so Daddy has had to be both a Daddy and Mommy for this past month.

- fingers poking everywhere - her nose, electrical outlets, etc. The nose is cute, but the electrical outlets are dangerous! We are working on childproofing the house.

- Teething: when is she NOT teething? She was busy getting 4 more teeth in this month. (The two beside her front and bottom teeth)

Since Daddy has been spending a lot more time with Rachel, she actually cries when he leaves the room! It's the cutest thing because it shows how tight their bond is.

Here are some pictures of Rachel's 10th month!

Lots of little friends being born! Visiting little Cadence (1 day old)

Rachel dwarfing Weston, snoozing away

Saying "so long" to Nancy, who reminded us how we are "beloved by God". Needed to hear that!! Rachel was pretty psyched to hear it too!

We walked to the neighborhood Denny's. Rachel had a blast eating her first pancake!

Cruising around in her walker is part of her daily routine (thanks auntie Jeannie!)

Playing piano is also part of her daily routine (thanks Auntie Katie and uncle Chris!)

Selfie with Grace and Abby

Having such a blast with Aunt Tori

Swinging with buddy Kaylee

Playing with Caloway 

Daddy's been giving tons of baths!

Chubby fingers

Summertime means sunglasses, but Rachel says not yet

Loves to scrunch her nose with you

The Tiens visit from Houston! What a treat!

The bond grows ever closer :)

Twinsies with Abby 

I finally know how to use my sippy cup by myself!

In the middle of signing "all done" or waving - they look the same sometimes

Eat mor chikin! Tried her first grilled chicken nugget

Family time at Newport Beach

First dim sum! (Cheung fen and Lo bat gou)

She is pretty upset about diaper changes

She discovered goldfish this month and is quite pleased about it

Perhaps carbs are the way to this baby's heart

Getting excited about Baby Shu! Bunch of texans having Californian babies :)

Rachel and chubster Karis at Le Pain

Our good little napper has returned (or did she ever really exist?). Two naps a day, 1-2 hours each. We will take it as long as it lasts.