A 5 Month Update

Happy to be over 150 days old!

This past week Maia officially became 5 months, going through another 30 days in what seems like a small blip on the radar.  The past month, like many of the others in Maia's short life thus far, feels like a blur.  Where to begin.

Maia ventured back into the great state of Michigan, getting to be the center of attention (which is so different than when she is at home ;)) at a baby shower thrown by my side of the family.  As usual, she (we) received many wonderful gifts (including a "wooden throne" for later use during potty training from my dad).  The shower served as another reminder in a long line of them, from when Jackie and I started the adoption process that would lead to Maia joining our family, of how fortunate we are to have amazing family and friends, who have been so incredibly generous in so many different ways.  The trip up to Michigan also gave my Dad and I another opportunity to share  a baseball game together, this on at Michigan State's campus, and that is always (always) a good time (and it was an absolutely gorgeous day).

Nothing like having your daughter fall asleep in your arms.

I suppose the dominating event during the last month was the adoption finalization hearing.  On Thursday May 9th, at the Marion County Courthouse in downtown Indianapolis, Maia officially and legally became our daughter.  We started the day with the drive down to Indianapolis and met for lunch before the hearing at Rock Bottom Restaurant & Brewery, one of my favorite places to east when in Indianapolis.  Meeting us there for a big lunch was both sets of grandparents, an Uncle and future Aunt, as well as a Great Uncle and Great Aunt.  Despite everyone coming from different places, we all managed to be there at the same time.  After a great lunch, we walked a couple blocks (on another nice day of weather) to the courthouse, arriving over 30 minutes early for our hearing (anyone that knows me knows that I am obsessive about being late to anything, let alone something this important).

I'm sitting  up!!!

At 2:45 that afternoon, our hearing started on time, and began with me taking the witness stand to establish the necessary facts and legal basis for the adoption.  Right before I took the stand, we were surprised by the last minute appearance of Justin, my college roommate, who is currently in the midst of the adoption process with his wife.  It was just a small extra specialness on an extra special day.  Afterwards, the judge briefly asked me if we had a dog (which, of course, we do) and if our dog was "protective" of Maia; as I answered honestly, it is part of the official record that Ellie is "indifferent" to Maia.  Everybody got a small laugh from it.  Jackie then took the standard and stated that she agreed with everything I said, and that was it.  The Judge made the order, and Maia was stuck with us.  Truly a great day.

Why yes, my daughter did put her feet on the Judge. What of it?

Maia, following her official status.

We had hoped that the Friday after the finalization hearing Maia could experience her first campground with her Michigan Grandparents; but alas, the cold weather made one more return with a chilling wind that made it impracticable.  So, that experience is yet to come, but she did get an extra dinner with the grandparents before they headed back North.

Ellie being indifferent.

In the past month Maia has also continued to develop and grow and it is simply amazing to watch.  It seemed like it took her forever to finally roll over from her back to her stomach.  And then one day she did it for the first time, and we couldn't stop her from doing it (the scary, mobile Maia days are looming).  She continued to increase her vocal range, as I like to think about it, trading different sounds that she has become obsessed with.  Lately, it has been a particularly adorable shrieking, which seems to have her saying, "Look how loud I can be! Look how loud I can be!" over and over again.  It does get a little loud, but its a happy sound.  She also got a "jumperoo" in the last month, and she expresses such joy at being upright and making things happen.  Its really fun to watch.

Having a blast in her jumperoo.

My favorite though, as Maia has become increasingly more aware or her surroundings, is watching that look of genuine and authentic wonderment at new things that expresses itself in her eyes.  I could watch that forever.

Love the "wonder looks."