More from Turkey....

So today we've been here a little over a week. Dena and Tariq joined us last Thursday, so we have a house full of people. And for Alia? This means that there are more people to watch her every move. Alia is no longer happy with just Mommy and/or Daddy's attention...she wants all eyes on her all the time...our little showman!

Take today for example...Alia woke up on the wrong side of the bed; or who knows, maybe she just didn't get enough sleep to compensate for all the new wonders for her little mind to take in. Regardless, from the time she woke up, she was a Grumple, which is what we call her when her near-constant whine happens for a duration of time. So Alia grumpled about all morning...not this, THAT! Not that! THIS! Not you....Amma! Not Amma, Daddy! You get the idea. And then, all of a sudden, it occurred to her that her Mommy, Daddy, Amma, Auntie Dena, Uncle Tariq, and Auntie Aruna (as well as the housekeeper, Gulhaan) were all somewhat surrounding her and watching her crawl back and forth. She blossomed before our eyes. She flirted with the men, shrieked and laughed for the ladies, and turned into a delight.

But then it happened...someone had to leave. So one else picked up a book. People began to dispurse. And Grumple appeared once more.