Getting to Know You...

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About Tigist (so far)

Things Tig Likes

Shoes
Clothes that apparently match (oh no)
Oranges
Bread
Toys in each hand and a book tucked under her arm
Gazing out the window, watching the world go by
Mirrors (while dressed in her matching clothes, hat and shoes)
Television
Food, food, a drink of milk, and then more food
Stacking blocks
Paging through books

Things Tig Does NOT Like

A dirty diaper
Changing a dirty diaper
Bath time
Not wearing shoes (first melt down, see below)
An empty hand (see above)
Did I mention a dirty diaper?

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As a first night with a child goes, I think ours was about par for the course. We didn't collectively sleep more than 2 hours, while Tigist basically slept all night. Every snort, sigh, sniffle, grunt and snore pretty much woke us up to see what was possibly wrong. Fortunately, all went well, and Tigist awoke to a smiling parental set, a scary bath, new set of high-fashion clothes, a big breakfast (followed by seconds from her mom and dad at the buffet), and a highly unsatisfying romp in the hotel playground.

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We finally broke through with a successful feeding! Man, does Tig like to eat...and she'll eat pretty much ANYTHING that gets within one Tig-headlength from her mouth. Fruit seems to be the leading contender, however, she did eat an entire dinner roll as big as my fist, then went on to a second course of about 2 cups of rice cereal and a half portion of Gerber carrots. Unbelievable. I can't wait to see what comes out the other end.

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Returning back to the room, we encountered our first grumpy. A loaded diaper, and a very unhappy girl. After realizing the diaper change was just okay, we got her back into order and then the real waterworks began. No toy could satisfy her, even the television on wouldn't distract her. In a fit of panic, Katrinka found her shoes, quickly placed them on, and the tears immediately stopped. Problem solved. Amazing.

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Photos

At the playground
No other kids to play with, sand in her sandals, no fun at all.

All dolled up in her new hat
Now we can't get it off of her.

Stacking blocks
Tig's challenge of the day. So far, she almost has it down!

Falling asleep with daddy
Unfortunately, the nap only lasted 20 minutes. An afternoon with Ms. cranky-pants wasn't so fun for anyone!

Comments

[Mom]

Welcome to parenthood!
I was soooo anxious to hear how your first night went...she slept and you two didn't.. . .perfect Parents!!! and she likes to be color-co!!! YEAH!!! Grandma will have fun with that! Hugs, kisses and prayers!!!! Mom

[Kendalyn's Mom]

what a day!
Too funny! I've also used shoes to distract Kendalyn out of crying tantrums. Kendalyn LOVES shoes, dressing in skirts, and looking in the mirror. I forsee many fashion shows in our future! Glad to hear Tig's an eater - maybe she can give my little one some pointers.

[Grandma Kathy]

To Tigist
Your parents will be trained soon ... keep up the good work.

[Cindy]

Very Exciting
Technology is amazing... that we can follow the day-to-day adventures of the Mannelly family halfway around the world! I am happy for you guys. Looks like things are off to a good start.

[April]

Things we like about Tigist (so far)
Your post made us both laugh, so I couldn't resist making a list of the things we like about Tigist - loves food, like other Mannelly gourmands we know - won't be caught eating or playing unless dressed to the feet - won't succumb to the false choice between toys and books - orange flowery hat trendsetter - cool parental units

[Mom]

Embassy Date
It is 8 pm Tues., 4/28. I am assuming it is 3 am 4/29 in Ethiopia...your Embassy Date. I can hardly wait to go to sleep so I can WAKE up and see if you have blogged about this meeting! Love to you all, Mom

[Susanne]

thanks for sharing
You are so well written. I feel as if I am having this adventure with you. It makes me smile. Children are so resilient and magical. See you soon.