Has it been 6 months already?

I can't believe it but today marks 6 months since we landed in the U.S. as a family. This time together has flow by and yet at times, it seems like just yesterday that I was waiting for my referral. I am excited to get into the holidays with Malia around to share it with but I also feel for those that are still waiting to be united with their child. I remember vividly how hard it was waiting during the holiday season. All I can say is hang in there and you will not believe your life once you are finally together.

As for Malia, she has just thrived here. Her English is constantly improving and we can have decent conversations about school, etc. She is loving dance and swimming. As for daycare, she is having a great time once there but we are working on some fears she has during drop off (needless to say we have been reading the "Momma come home" book a lot).

We have continued to live up life which means that we are usually running around. We celebrated the Moon Festival, play dates, Paint a Plate, MN Art Museum kids day, etc. She just today also played in the leaves and from her reaction, I don't think she has ever done this before. I am loving seeing everything new through her eyes and have therefore appreciated the season change more this year than ever before. I can't believe that I can love Malia more than I do already but each week or even day is another great surprise moment for us. Here is an assortment of pictures so you can see what we have been up to.

Baby Shower and Visit from Aunt Susie, Uncle Ryan (MoMo) and Cousin Jude:







Practicing my somersaults:





Paint your Plate Outing:





Swimming Lessons:







Playing with Cousin Garrett:







Art Institute with Cousins Garrett and Aislinn: