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COMMENTS:
Cecilia - 2004-04-14 14:40:32
Finally I can give you some advice (along with a GIANT "YAY, You are going to rock as parents")
Bren is 15 months and is not just walking... no, RUNNING! My sincere advice is get the safety knobs for the doors as well as many baby gates and cabnite latches. (Although, at this point, even those are less effective then when we first got them... smart people babies.) He also moves around all sorts of seemingly "too heavy for a mere baby to move" objects so that he's able to get at the "pretty things." Scaling chair and couch alike is nothing. Oh and putting soft covers on the edges of tables and counters is definitly a stress reducer for you.
He eats just about everything that we eat... although his nurse says to still give him the whole milk instead of my soy substitute -_-; Simply for fat content. Eggs, carrots, even brussell sprouts have found their way into that boy's stomach. (Give me an email if you get the "DID SHE JUST EAT THAT?!" scare, it happens a lot at first. And as I'm not a proud woman, email me if you need to discuss what shows up in the diaper, many will be the moment when you say to yourself "That just can't be normal"... it is.)
As for talking and the rest of the learning set, vocab is really starting to come together, not pleased with his constant use of the word 'no' but there isn't much for it. A "tanks" after getting something makes up for it though. You'll be amazed at her mimicing skills when it comes to talking. You'll also be amazed at how quickly you become irritated with the words people around you use. Last thing you need is a toddler with a mouth like a sailor.
They love songs and stories more now then ever before, especially if you make it a rather silly and grandious production.
And lastly, what I know you'll be unreal excited to know... the hugs and kisses start around this age and there is nothing in the world as great as a ball of energy running into your arms and holding as tightly as they can.
Best of luck sug, Nathan and I are beyond happy for you!
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Liz O - 2004-04-14 15:23:03
I have a 16 month old, who sounds like Bren's soul sister, so can give advice, too. She eats anything and everything (sour, spicy, she doesn't care) and is still at the blissful stage where she loves vegetables and fruit. We have to cut things up, of course, but no mashing or anything like that.
She also runs and CLIMBS everywhere. They fall down a lot, and scuff easily, but usually nothing permanent.
She is just starting to be verbal, but understands virtually everything we say (Ahem, I'm likely to have that toddler with the mouth of a sailor . . .). She also knows quite a few signs, which may be helpful for Sarah with the language difference.
She also loves music, and being read to. And she thinks our dog is to die for, and would spend all day feeding him dog treats if we let her. Some days we do - mom's gotta get things donw somehow! E-mail me if I can be of any more help. This age is by far one of the most fun, since you can literally see them learning and make connections on a moment to moment basis. Such fun!
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chris - 2004-04-14 18:02:18
I'm so happy for you. Toddlers are a wild bunch; really, they're the strongest force in the universe. You'll have to babyproof and then babyproof again and again. My son walked really early and it's not all it's cracked up to be. In my mother's group (highly recommend joining one) it seems like the kids have all done things at their own pace (early talkers, late walkers, early this or that, late something else), but they all seem to end up at the same place, you know what I mean? Your daughter is going to amaze you with what she picks up and how quickly it will happen.
As for food, it seems that one day they'll eat something, and the next they won't. Best advice would be to try a little of everything, but go easy at first. She may be somewhat overwhelmed by all the choices. Try to make what she's eating already. Of course, you can't go wrong with pizza. Wait a minute--you can, if she's lactose intolerant as many Asians (my husband included, to an extent) are. My 19 month old son loves raisins, Veggie Booty, dried fruit (lots of kids like the "Just Veggies" brand, which is dried fruit or veggies), waffles, and unfortunately, french fries. We try to give him as much organic food as possible, particularly if its dairy because of all the crap they put in it otherwise.
For long trips, we wrap small toys in brightly colored wrapping paper that they can take off themselves. Keeps them occupied twice as long. Lift the flap books are also great at this age, much better than regular books because it gives thems something to do with their hands.
Good luck!
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chris - 2004-04-14 18:02:24
I'm so happy for you. Toddlers are a wild bunch; really, they're the strongest force in the universe. You'll have to babyproof and then babyproof again and again. My son walked really early and it's not all it's cracked up to be. In my mother's group (highly recommend joining one) it seems like the kids have all done things at their own pace (early talkers, late walkers, early this or that, late something else), but they all seem to end up at the same place, you know what I mean? Your daughter is going to amaze you with what she picks up and how quickly it will happen.
As for food, it seems that one day they'll eat something, and the next they won't. Best advice would be to try a little of everything, but go easy at first. She may be somewhat overwhelmed by all the choices. Try to make what she's eating already. Of course, you can't go wrong with pizza. Wait a minute--you can, if she's lactose intolerant as many Asians (my husband included, to an extent) are. My 19 month old son loves raisins, Veggie Booty, dried fruit (lots of kids like the "Just Veggies" brand, which is dried fruit or veggies), waffles, and unfortunately, french fries. We try to give him as much organic food as possible, particularly if its dairy because of all the crap they put in it otherwise.
For long trips, we wrap small toys in brightly colored wrapping paper that they can take off themselves. Keeps them occupied twice as long. Lift the flap books are also great at this age, much better than regular books because it gives thems something to do with their hands.
Good luck!
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Juni - 2004-04-14 20:19:49
Congrats again! 15 months is such a fun age! Both my nephews are 15 & 16 months old and they are just balls of furious energy!! They love raisins (and can be bribed to do incredible things for a single, solitary raisin!!!) They love meatballs, cheese slices and 'soldiers' (toasted bread cut into 5 or so pieces) that 'march' along the table. Neither boys drink cows milk just yet but have a toddler formula that you mix cold water with and shake it up (kinda like SLim fast, maybe?) and they LOVE that. They also love anything finger food-ish. Congrats on her--she is a gorgeous wee girl!!!
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Short North Mama - 2004-04-14 20:27:53
I just found your journal today, but I teared up when I saw your announcement about recieving The Call (we are just beginning our own China adoption journey).
Congratulations! She is such a little cutie!
I found the most useful thing I ever did with my bio daughter was teaching her to sign. There are lot of books on baby signs and it is amazing how much a baby can tell you before they can verbalize anything. My daughter learned about 60 signs so far. We finally had to stop teaching her because we couldn't remember them all. I think her level of frustration is much lower than similarly aged kids who can't communicate.
btw, depending on the dialect where your daughter lives, I think Qin is pronounced something like 'cheen.'
Congratulations again!
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Carrie - 2004-04-14 20:28:02
Congratulations! She is beautiful! I know the next few months will just fly right by and she will be in your arms. Good for you!
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