We have been back home for a couple of weeks and Lili is doing SUPER (that is a German word for those who don't know - pronounced -zoopa-). We feel so proud of almost every thing she does. Her 15 month developmental check-up is this Tuesday so we are trying especially to notice all of her recent accomplishments. Her first clear and consistently used word in English is "boo(k)". Though she leaves off the "k", it is clear that she means "read it to me" because she always says it with a book in the hand of her outstretched arm with longing in her eyes (and she won't give up until pages turn...which she likes to do herself). She remains loyal to Curious George, her first touch and feel book. She loves many books about that monkey. Her other favorites are Elmo's "So Big" a book of colors and a baby body book (she likes to look at photos of other babies). Our favorite bedtime book has been a pop-up book called "I love you every little bit". We can't thank all of our friends and family enough for the fabulous library of books she has received. She really appreciates them. She has learned the signs for "more" and "finished"... both of which she uses only at her convenience and never on command. She brushes her teeth each night (or puts the brush in her mouth anyway). She currently takes up to 6 steps on her own, but she is still afraid of falling on our granite floors. She points to eyes and nose. She is a yogurt junkie. She is a little devious, always returning to the dog bowl to play in India's water with a sly look and a smile. She loves to eat but her favorite time of day is bath time.

We have still had no snow... in Switzerland. Strange.

Here are some recent photos. Hope to hear from friends and family soon. xoxo

Oh my how time flies! We have been Lili's forever family for two months and a day! It seems like longer and yet it seems like we were just in China meeting her for the first time too. We had a wonderful holiday visiting family in Atlanta. Lili quickly grew attached to her Tia Tanya and her cousin Izzie. She still asks for Izzie at times when she wakes up. We wish we could have stayed a bit longer... she started imitating her "grown up" prima (picked up some good, some not so good habits). She also bonded with her other Tias and Tios and most expecially to her Abuelos. Abuelita had special sleeping magic and Lili loved relaxing with her. She enjoyed Papi's beard and big cuddly arms. Her cousin David is a most affectionate soul and stole kisses and hugs at every opportunity. It can be a bit much for other babies, but Lili loved his doting attention. She was also intrigued by his beautiful baby sister Ana Maria who looks so much like a life size baby doll... always smiling and laughing. Rene's mom, Lili's Ya, came up to spend a day with us and walked away with an unsolicited beso. Lili really took to her Aunt Sarah and enjoyed the time with Aunt Jessie and Grandpa Carl too. It was a very special and memorable holiday for all of us. We can't wait to introduce Lili to everyone else in the family.