Now that we’ve returned to the States, she asks to look at the pictures and the videos we made during our stay all the while calling out the names of the people in those pictures.

I think most of all, being a little older and better able to recognize and remember faces means that now she has a connection with her grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousin. Those connections will be further strengthened as she gets to communicate with her family in India on the phone and webcam.

Cheers

Last weekend, we were at a restaurant for dinner. She made friends with all the waiters and waitresses at the restaurant. By the time we ate our meals, she was already running behind them trying to get them to play hide and seek with her. She loves to chase and likes being chased! Shortly after, she ran to one of the waitresses and gave her a BIG hug… how lovely. The woman picked Riana up and pretended to walk away. Riana immediately waved at us and said “Bye-Bye”! I found that moment of ‘awww’ very sweet but soon realized that this could mean a potential danger. What if my baby walks away with a stranger? As the lady walked away from us, Riana quickly realized that something is not right. She reached forward and leaned over. She got down and came running to us.

Restaurants, grocery stores, hospitals, malls… It doesn’t matter where we go, she loves it all. She especially likes children. She wants to play with every kid. If she sees one, she follows him/her around. Every morning she greets the daycare teachers with hugs. If you throw a flying kiss at her, she even returns the favor! So sweet… She is my cherry pie!

Love you sweetheart…