This is what greeted us on adoption day. Two couches filled with little baby girls in pink snowsuits. It’s the image from our trip that stays with me the sharpest. Sophie is fourth from the left, the one with all the hair. When I get a chance, (er, not sure when that’s going to be), I plan to make a China video.

We went to our second ped exam yesterday. She has had blood work, ect done — everything is good. She may have a thyroid condition, but we have to recheck it because the doc thinks the results may be been skewed by stress. Otherwise, she’s in good health and has gained a pound in a month (I feel that pound in my back, let me tell you).

The state of Sophie at 10 months….

  • She can sit up for prolonged periods, but can’t push up into sitting position on her own yet.
  • Can stand with help.
  • Doesn’t crawl, but rolls to whereever she wants to go.
  • Doesn’t speak, but is starting to respond to ‘Sophie’ and responds to the words ‘kitty kat’ and ‘doggie’ (knows what they are)
  • Can pick up small objects using thumb and forefinger
  • Understands cause and effect — (if you push this button, there are lights and music)
  • Does much better with solid foods. She’s still picky, but she’s eating everything I give her pretty well.
  • Has gone from not wanting to touch anything to grabbing EVERYTHING.

We are going to have a litte outside help on development. She will soon have some physical therapy to help her catch up.

She continues to be an exceptionally good natured child. Sometimes she has meltdowns at bedtime and fights sleep. Oh, she’s stubborn too. Those meltdowns can carry on for a good two hours sometimes. I’m pretty sure this is just because she doesn’t want the party to end, not because she needs anything. Sometimes she wakes up in the wee morning hours. Ugh. Uuuugh. It could be worse, though. As sleep problems go, we’re fortunate compared to some other families. And luckily I’m able to function on a lack of sleep. *yawn* Mostly.

I *think* she’s attaching to us pretty well. It’s hard to tell. I can’t leave the room or she cries. She tends to want me close when she’s with daddy too, but she’s getting better about this one. She’s ceased doing the “charming, smiling baby” survival thing for strangers. I count this as a good sign.

All in all, I thank the Universe every day that we have her. I can’t imagine having any other daughter than Sophie Fu Duo. She’s a pure blessing and the love we feel for her is overwhelming. :) Isn’t it funny how these things work out?