This is a loaded title. AnnaBelle is teaching me so many things about showing her how to trust. Meal time is a big deal around here. When she is ready to eat, she is ready! if the oven light is on or food is steaming on the stove-its time. period. AnnaBelle hoarded the last crumb to everything she ate in China. Also hoarding in her mouth at mealtime. She has moved beyond that. Checking the pantry is still in force but not as often. Now she "reorganizes" the pantry items aka a big mess! Last week I was putting away laundry and kitchen towels. Inside the towel drawer I found her dumped fruit loops. The next day it was plastic forks and an empty vegetable can. I just laughed! The next day it was.....her jacket. :) she stores things in funny places. I like to see food left like in the drawer because it tells me she isn't afraid to be hungry, anymore. The bottle, she hugs her empty bottle at night and falls asleep. Dare not take it! I'm sure she has experienced hunger at nighttime. The two bowls, at mealtime it's messy because she is learning. I put her food in a bowl for that reaon. If there are two bowls she pushes them together and guards them. Even if one is empty. She will hand it to me, then want it back repeatedly. Regardless of her intention to eat the food in it or not. Interesting to observe this part of the journey. I'm realizing with toddler adoption..you can't be rigid. Flexibility is key. I cannot insist she sleep in her crib knowing she spent 16-18hrs a day in it, in the orphanage. I can't insist she give me the empty bottle or share easily, I can't understand what is so scary about a stuffed animal or our house cat? If I could have seen her life in the orphanage of two years, it would help me understand but I can't. So, we are flexible and learn as we go. The crib is being sold, she has moved into the twin bed and sleeps well. I have moved out of the bed but still in her room. Imagine a twin bed, air mattress twin on the floor and a baby crib in on same room! Plus toys, a dresser and baby stroller. Momma has to get that crib sold and out. She snacks throughout the day and she longs to be held, so I hold her.
AnnaBelles new likes: sliced apples, mashed potatoes, meatloaf.
Dislikes: wet fruit to touch, raspberries, strawberries, mango, etc. No green peas or vegetables except green beans, sometime.
She is afraid of animals, loud noises, the garage door opening and closing. And public restroom toilets flushing! Noises we are used to. She is not.
New words: please, water, up, sissy, egg, go.
We are seeing great trust being built and sleep patterns improving! Both girls are learning to share space, momma and toys. Somedays are easy some are harder. Toddler adoption is amazing and so sweet! A child's ability to love, be loved, learn, grow, thrive and experience happiness is wonderful! AnnaBelle already has been such a fantastic blessing to our family, I a m SO thankful she is home!! She is so full of life! Joy says, it's good being a big sister but "pretty messy".
No comments:
Post a Comment