Blankies are soft.

AnnaBelle is learning so many things.
She likes cauliflower steamed of course. But don't trick her and put carrots in the bowl too.
She likes chicken strips but not all chicken nuggets.
She likes to climb the play set ladder. And is strong enough to now!!
And can now climb on the coffee table!
She drinks water from her bottle like crazy.
She likes cupcakes but mostly the icing.
She loves to dig in the sand.
Today she was patting her wet diaper (very wet) before sliding down the slide "di di". And was ready to have it changed.
Soap bubbles in the tub..can be scary. Enough to make her get out. :)
She likes to ride in the grocery cart with all the food. But does not want Joy touching her with a foot or shoe. She wants total personal space. Same in the bathtub and sandbox..This is crucial. Screaming will notify you if this is not taken seriously. Joy has been patient and kind with this, rule. :)
She likes corn on the cob and can say "corn".
She loves bathtime.  She splashes more than Milton can handle. He is sure the bathroom tile is going to come loose and the grout will never come clean and the toilet could float away.  But she loves it. I love watching her face when she splashes. Tonight she dumped her water on her head drenching her hair and face. Then doing it to Joy. Joy just laughed and played along..then mom stopped the fun.
Today she pet the cranky old cat, Katycat. BIGGIE. She has been mortified of the cat. PS today is Saturday, AnnaBelle pet Katy then attempted to close the front door. With that old sassy cat in it. Results: growling and hissing. :) oops.
And the biggest one of all..learning that it feels good to snuggle with her soft blankie. It's soft. It feels good on her face. Today for the first time she rubbed her tired eyes with that soft blankie. So sweet. It only took 6 weeks to learn and like it, the blankie is soft!  Who would have predicted that? I was
certain she would love the blanket, the baby doll and the stuffed frog Scenty we got her right away. Wrong momma.  Baby steps.

When she goes to sleep at nap time and I can see her face in the sunlight. I can't believe how beautiful she is. And she is here! We have made the trip to China and she is home. She is in our arms!
She is growing and learning and thriving. She blows kisses and says "sissy". She hums and dances with Joy. They chase down the hallway and she smiles. They fuss like siblings do.  I love it. Romans 15:13 says "may the God of hope bring you peace and joy as you trust in Him"  As AnnaBelle snuggled her soft blankie today in her arms, I thought of what peace and comfort is to people. What brings hope to people? Sometime icecream or chocolate is comforting to me! God is our only real hope! We all like to feel hopeful and not hopeless. We pray for the kids waiting for a family at the orphanage. That they will feel hope. There are over 700 in that one orphange location. Unbeliveable. AnnaBelle has waited for the first two years of her life, to be held, soothed, rocked, kissed and to be with a family who adores her. I feel like we are making up for that time. She wants me to hold her all the time. She has waited for a Momma and Dadda, Sissy and a home.  I pray she will know the comfort of this home, our love and family but also the love, peace and hope of our Heavenly Father.


"A happy family is but an earlier heaven" George B Shaw