Five months. That went fast. Little Adi isn't so little anymore. Our little girl continues to grow and change on a daily basis. She is a healthy 14lbs and carries most of her weight in her super cute chubby checks. This month, Adi has learned how to stand and loves chillin in her bumbo seat with her Sofie. She also collected two more stamps in her passport, visiting Hong Kong on our way to the United States (more to come on our trip). Adi continues to be an amazing baby, sleeper and companion. This month Adi went under water for the first time at her first swim lesson and had to wear pants, socks and a jacket to go outside. It was cold in Michigan! Here are a few pictures from month 5.
This girl LOVES to stand!
Our little jet setter! Styling in her head phones
In Hong Kong!
Our little tropical baby bundled up after her swim lesson
This marked our third Oktoberfest in Penang! Crazy how time flies! This year Eric and I will be back in the states for the big Oktoberfest hosted by the Penang German Society, so instead, we celebrated proper at the Hostie. Eric was so excited for his favorite "holiday" and I was a very willing (not pregnant this year) participant. We enjoyed real German beer, sausages and schnitzel. Yum! I partook in the games this year and took first prize in the beerstien holding contest for the ladies. Yep, these big guns still work! Another fun night with a great community. Now, only a week until we are back in the states and Eric can have some real Oktoberfest beer. Stay tuned!
This year we were in town for the Australian Defense Force's Annual Ball and we were finally able to attend. I had a dress made by a professional tailor and Eric wore his suit for the first time in Penang. We made a small overnight vacation, bringing Adalyn with us to the hotel and having Maliga babysit while we enjoyed dinner, drinks and dancing. It was a very fun night and I look forward to going next year! Even Adi got dressed up.
Last Friday, October 4th, I had the great privilege and honor to be the keynote speaker at the 5th Annual Luscious Ladies in Pink event in Penang. This event helps raise money and awareness for breast cancer in Penang. Before we moved to Malaysia, I had a dream that I would share my story at this event and it was a great pleasure to have my dream come true. I shared my personal story with a room full of 275+ people in the hopes that I would help save someone's life from breast cancer. I can say, without much doubt, that this is one of the proudest moments of my life. I know that I bravely shared my mom's fight with cancer and my smart decision to preventatively take action against breast cancer. Honestly, I have been overwhelmed by the response from the community, locally and by those who have shared my story globally and I feel as though all of the past hardships have been validated by my message of hope, resilience and choice. If you weren't able to see my talk in person, here is the video. Please share it with your friends and family.
In celebration and remembrance of my mom, Linda Sue Bell
In celebration of my sister, Jamie Boiles who is BRCA1 negative!
And in Hope for my daughter, Adalyn, that we will find a cure for breast cancer.
I received a heartfelt standing ovation from the room. I know my story touched so many, making it all worth it!
The love of my life, Eric, who has supported me through this journey
And a few of my friends who lovingly supported, encouraged, listened and gave at this fabulous morning to help women and families in Penang who are dealing with breast cancer.
I will leave you with my closing message from the event:
If you haven't had a mammogram in a while, schedule one.
If you are wondering if you have a family history of breast cancer, talk to someone in your family.
If you have a family history of breast cancer, talk to your doctor to see if genetic testing is right for you.
If you haven't done your breast self exam this month, do it today!
And, if you can, donate to your local breast cancer fund.
Remember, you can save your life or the life of someone else. Breast Cancer doesn't have to be a death sentence.
Yikes, she's 4 months already! No longer a newborn and turning into a very sweet little girl. This month has been a big month for Adi. She has taken her first international flight, learned how to sit in her Bumbo seat, had several play dates, rolled over, started laughing, watched her first Michigan game, had her first boat and train ride, attended her first Ball and continued to grow like a weed. We've been busy. Adalyn continues to be a great sleeper and a great little companion. She is still very portable going wherever we go and not arguing about it. She is a very happy baby and is not afraid to show others her cute little chubby checks and her gorgeous smile. She continues to put on weight and grow. She has more than doubled her birth weight and now weighs 6kg+ (13.2lbs) and is still pretty long. Here are a few pictures from her fourth month of life! Enjoy!
Adi says, "GO BLUE!"
At the top of Penang Hill. We took advantage of Eric's day off and spent some time at the top of Penang
Our portable little baby!
The preferred position when being held
Story time with Daddy
Adi and her worm. She loves him
Singapore!
She can stand!
And is just too cute!
Don't mess with this girl's bottle!
What's she looking at??
Playtime with Henry!
Big enough for the Bumbo Seat
And in case you haven't had enough of Adalyn, check out this video of her laughing!
We can't wait to see how much she changes this month!
