[deguatmom]

Wendi - Congratulations on bringing your daughter home! We brought our son home this past January at 11.5 months old and we too visited him when he was 8 months old. Our son was cruising/walking when we picked him up and was babbling sounds only, no words according to his foster mother.

I would recommend finding out any special comfort phrases or words used by his caregivers. We learned a few basic words from his foster mother that he was used to hearing - specifically the word for bottle.

We taught our son sign language and found that he picked it up easily. He began using his "sign" words at 13 months and verbal words at 15 months. We think the switch from spanish only to english only easy for him. He is now 22 months old and on target (and even a little ahead) verbally for his age.

Additionally, we tried to be the primary care givers for him for the first few months. Meaning, we fed him, changed him, bathed and dressed him. We held him alot - which was easy on us as first time parents! I took a baby and me swim class, which I think helped us bond.

And of course, we showered him with love and kisses every day!! I'd be happy to share more on our experience with you, please pm me any more questions. Best wishes on your pick up trip!!