Our anything journey: June 2013

Where has the time gone?
We came home on March 29th Good Friday, it was a good friday!
AnnaBelle came home with many fears and so many changes in just a few short weeks. I wish I could see inside her little brain to see what she was thinking. New smells, new rooms, new food, new sounds, a family...the orphanage walls look so cold and stale. The beds are lined up and there are more than we can count in the pictures. (We can see 26) and we know there are two kids to a crib. You can do the mathematics without a calculator. All children, waiting for a family.
When we drive in the driveway now, AnnaBelle says from the backseat "home". Its the most precious sound ever to hear her say. For many reasons you can think about. Precious that she calls this home and knows it is!
She has conquered many fears and has traveled many miles and many insecurities. We are still working through a few things but they are no big deal in comparison to where we have been. God is so good and he is bringing healing to her heart each day through love, nutrition, care, prayer and this family.
She is nolonger afraid of:
the toilet flushing but loves to flush it.
the green grass outside now she likes to lay in it.
the cat and now chases Katycat until she is grumpy and hisses.
the car starting but is ready to "go".
the public bathrooms and the loud sounds.
stuffed animals and has a few chosen ones she loves.
our dog that she was so afraid of now she feeds him her snacks.
the garage door opening now she says "up" to it.
loud cars and noises outside. She identifies the train and says "choo choo".
the dumpster truck dumping the trash.
the church nursery. She points to go in and likes to watch the kids. She isnt willing to stay and play but its progress to see her not afraid of the "play room".

Oh dear friends, this child is learning and thriving! We are hearing many phrases from her the last two weeks.
"wait a minute"
"be right back"
"its okay" with a pat
"I want some milk"
"have some"
"come come sissy"
"bathtime baby"
"Lub (love) you sissy"
"hab a good day"
"see ya nexttime"
remember this is Chinglish and we understand it but others dont always.
I can see changes in her language and her play skills and confidence each week. We went to a baseball game the other night with family and she walked around to each table and greeted people with "hi". It was so good to see her confidence instead of fear of strangers. She had such stranger anxiety that I have never witnessed such fear of people when she came to us. AnnaBelle has a beautiful spirit within her and it is flourishing!

Summertime has been full of outside time! AnnaBelle loves to play in the sandbox and swing. She enjoys going down the slide with "sissy" Joy. She likes to count 1-2-3 "yeay" clapping her hands. She hums twinkle twinkle and likes to hollar and be loud! Joy has had fun with her new playmate and friend. AnnaBelle has started giving selective kisses away. She kisses her "baby" and Joy and myself. She really loves her baby doll. Joy starts playing soccer in a few days and we are looking forward to watching her play and have fun! AnnaBelle has just started jumping and getting both feet off the ground. This is a biggie because when we got her in March she could not jump. Her muscles are growing stronger from all her playing and climbing, trampoline jumping and her overall coordination has improved. She is eating good and playing hard each day. Her sleep patterns have not been the best but I feel sure its part of the transition. She takes good naps and is always ready for round 2 of play! AnnaBelle has suprised us with her great tan. She is like a chocolate raisin..she is so tan. Each day her tan gets better!! She says over and over, "mom", "no" and "come come" everyday. I do believe I see leadership skills in her!