Both girls had birthdays in February! I also had a birthday in February. It was a party month! A turned 3 and J turned 5. Dad says, "no wander we are broke. Everyday is a party around here". Then came valentines. The girls were overwhelmed by all the love and gifts.
One day J asked "is it winter on Mt. Everest? Would we need mittens there? Is it always winter up there?" I'd like to know where these questions originate from!
A on the other hand has a few motives each day, they are very consistent.
"Play mommas iPad, eat snacks and play outside" things are simple in her world but she is starting to ask "why momma?" The beloved questions begin!! Both girls love dress up and they can destroy a rooms cleanness so fast. Joy has a few favorites but AnnaBelle wants to wear as much at one time as possible. It makes for interesting outfits.
A knows some shapes, letters and how old she is. Colors are a guess still. She loves games and puzzles. Hasn't decided which hand to be dominate just yet. She is eating good and growing so fast! Was on the 50% mark on her last well visit plus one hep A shot. Boo boo.
J was in the 95% mark on her well visit at a sturdy 45# and 45in tall! She is proud to be 5 and enrolled in school for Kinder. Long long legs that I will live through all my life. AB may live through them too. J loves nature, animals and anything messy. She is growing and ask to eat every two hours, I'm sure. I should set the timer! She is funny by nature and loves telling jokes. She ask to eat candy every single day. I think she has a cavity our first dental appt is next week.
AB brushes her teeth 3x a day and washes hands more than I can count. She loves water.
Is it possible this month we have been home one year? One year from gotcha day!! March 18th marks one year! What a day Milton and I will never forget. It was emotional, hard and wonderful. We felt like we were two years late, in many ways. But God knows all things and time. He has brought so much healing to ABs heart. We have watched her learn trust. It has been incredible. What a year! I learned so much through AnnaBelles transition and growing to 4. I learned a lot about parenting and myself and Gods long suffering. He is long suffering with us. He is in for the long haul! I'm thankful for that too. Isn't that how God works? We are always learning...I think parenting teaches so much about Gods love and relationship towards us as his kids! Thankful to be home with AnnaBelle & thankful for her sweet smiles and bossy nature. Thankful Joy was willing to share her life and us with a sister! They miss each other when they apart. And fuss when together.
Both girls were chasing one another to the top of the slide at the park one day, J yelled "I'm the leader" then AB yelled a few steps behind "no Joy I'm the leader!". Both are chiefs. No Indians.
I look at the girls and am so thankful for the blessings God orchestrated into our lives! What a lonely,
boring, clean, quiet home this would be without them. My floors are always dirty and I always have dishes in the sink. And there is a never a quiet moment! We are eagerly watching the tulips come up outside. I'm thankful mr winter is almost gone. I am ready for springtime! Thankful for my hubby
and two chiefs!!
Being with girls brings so much JOY to us! On our walk a few nights ago, J was so impressed with our dog. "He can stand in three legs mom..look!!" Haha. Having no idea what's happening while he stands on those three legs. We laughed and laughed.
Tonight on our walk, AB says "mom Louis is happy wike me. His tail goes wiggle wike mine". She stopped to wiggle her bum on the spot. :) so cute. I believe that summarizes this blog and ABs place in our family. She is happy!! I will never forget where and how our journey started in Chin* with her. It was a cool day in GZ and rainy. We rode the bus with our guides and travel group. Such anticipation. What will she do? What does she like? Will she cry? Will she trust us? How long will that take? Will she call me momma? Will she smile? Will she play? Will she eat? Will she sleep? Will she want me? Nothing could have prepared my emotions for how I would "feel" that day to hold this child we had fallen in love with in October by a photo. It's unexplainable how God expands your heart for a child oceans away! His love is the same for us, it's extravagant. He gives us a extravagant love, to give away!! If we make space for it. It is only by his sweet spirit that happens. Oh my heart will never forget. She is not the same as she was and neither are we! What a gift we have been given...
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| Adoption Registration (important paperwork) and finalizes adoption. With wonderful guide, Yisha. End of the first week in ZZ. Milton left early the next morning for home. |
