Wednesday, April 3, 2013

4 Months as a Family

I haven't really had much time to post (which is pretty obvious!)...but today is our 4 month anniversary as a family!

Life as we know it changed drastically since that day 4 months ago northern China today, our lives now just seem fuller...more complete.  Don't get me wrong we were happy, but in just a different way.  Our focus is Kailey, as it should be, and our life as a family.  

What have I learned during this time?
I have learned I can (somewhat) function on less sleep, and I wish I could take a nap!
I love to say "My daughter Kailey"
I am amazed that we can communicate with her even though she is deaf and we are all learning sign language (S.E.E)
How easy it is to smile when Kailey discovers something new
That even though Kailey doesn't speak words, she still bows her head when we say grace at dinner (and she mimics talking)
That 4 year olds are small but they can still boss a 50 year lawyer around and get away with it!
Kailey is boy crazy already!
I have to check on her while she sleeps to make sure she is ok, covered warmly and yes breathing because I want her safe, happy and healthy! I am a momma bear!
I have learned that it will take time for her to truly understand the meanings of  birthdays, holidays and our culture.

Even though there has been a lot of stress in the last 4 months, a hug from her makes it all right with the world.

I have learned the most, that I absolutely love this little girl, to the moon and back.

Oh one other thing, that she was meant to be in Texas, as she is a cowgirl ridin' a pony already!


Saturday, January 5, 2013

First Month...Full Circle

It has been a little over a month since Gotcha Day and I have to say this month has flown by and has been a worldwind!  

In the month Kailey has:
*Met all of her family, several close friends...bonded with a few too!


*Visited her new school (well...it will be once the bureaucracy red tape gets cut)
*Celebrated our first Christmas Eve Service
 
*Celebrated four family Christmas's, including a white Christmas....
 
Each brought a smile to her face as she experienced so many firsts, including what Santa brought her
 
 
*Eaten just about every food put in front of her.
 
*Did well with a babysitter (aka her Auntie Lucia!)
*Adjusting to living with 2 dogs...who lives have changed dramatically!  She is getting comfy enough to pet them gently.
*Has still NOT taken a nap (noted in her file that she did nap...how I miss that!)
*Is NOT afraid of the dark (again as her file noted she was)
*Is not sleeping as well as we would like...she is a light sleeper (again was noted she was a deep sleeper)
*Went to the Doctor, for hearing tests and a starting to form a plan. (Today)...Has at least 2 more Dr appt next week too.
*Unfortunately has strep throat and fever (thank goodness we were already going to the above Doctor, so he treated her for that too).
*She feels safe, trusting her parents and new life and changes, and no longer gathering food.
*Love to brush her teeth, wash her hands, folds her closes and sets the table...all without being asked...She is a very, very good helper
*Is giving huge bear hugs and kisses to Momma and Daddy,