Sunday, September 26, 2010

One month ago......

One month ago today, the sweetest blessing was placed in my arms, "for keeps" in Ethiopia. I can't believe it's been one month. So many new experiences for us all- we're all still adjusting, loving almost every minute of it- Craig says," she was born for our family"- We are amazed at how God works! He made her just for us, it's really just an awesome, amazing thing- and I'm so glad to be given this gift! I still look at her and cannot believe she's here! That she is our baby- I just want to eat her up- she is the purest joy! We are so in love- I watch the kids with her, even Harrison will just kiss her cheek, melts my heart! Then there is Craig- he loves her so much- and Jillian already looks up to Isabelle. I always wanted a sister- glad my girls will have each other! Even though we are all tired- she has brought a special light into our family- a sparkle! She is special! Can't wait to see what God has in store for her- on the other hand I want to freeze these moments in time so I can always remember her sweet little baby self!!! Love it!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Settling in....


It's been a little while since I've written.... I am finding it kind of hard to find time to blog- seems someone needs my attention!
The adjusting is going well- Isabelle seems to be affected the most. She has all of those first born female personality traits and is having trouble sharing the attention. Hopefully she will get used to things soon.... if that is the worst problem we have, we can deal with it.
Harrison is great, he just goes with the flow- really!
The parents are both tired..... I forgot what it's like to not get anything done around the house, it bothers me.... but I have to relax and look at that beautiful toothless grin staring back at me and none of it matters. She sleeps through the night most nights or wakes up once..... she is happy most of the time, loves to eat, loves to be held and talked to- she is happiest when she is in a group of people or when Isabelle and Harrison are messing with her!
I still look at her sitting in the middle of our living room and I can't believe the gift we've been given! The word that keeps coming to mind is Thankful.... got all the reports back from her Dr. visit- everything is great, she had an ear infection, that's it! She is a happy, joyful, smily, chubby, funny, beautiful blessing! Oh, the sense of humor this girl has- I can't believe she's only 7 months.... she is so funny and will laugh right back at you about things. I love the way she gazes into my eyes.... and she'll hug you and say "awwww" and pat your shoulder, like I do hers.... so funny! She waves at everyone, is gaining leg strength, she likes the exersaucer, loves to be outside, loves refried beans and bananas..... I could go on and on! I feel overwhelmed a lot, right now I am just doing the things I have to do- trying to get in a good routine. It's odd for the process of the adoption to be over- we spent so much time praying for the little details of the adoption. I am now praying prayers of thankfulness- We feel so blessed. More soon.... try to add pictures soon-

Friday, September 10, 2010

7 Months

I can't believe how far this girl has come in her 7 months! Today she is 7 months old! One month ago, I sobbed for her, wanting her here so badly, feeling like she would never be here. I feel SO thankful! My heart is full and we are all falling so in love with her and her with us.
She is such a happy little baby. Even with an ear infection- she loves being around people and she likes to "joke". I am serious- she will laugh about something and then anticipate you doing it again and will belly laugh about it. It is so funny!

Adjustment is going smoothly. Our 7 yr. old, first born is learning how to share the drama spotlight..... ready for the new normal to set in. This week was hard- good but hard. Lots of people want to meet her and we are so thankful for all of the open arms! She loves it- It has been hard this week taking care of everyone and being jetlagged.... here's to hoping next week will be a little more "normal"- if there is such a word. She wakes up with a big smile on her face- it is so refreshing and I am loving being her momma! She fits right in! God knew just who we needed in our family- he's so good like that! So, so thankful!

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

HOME



We arrived at the airport, Friday night around 8:30 to a crowd of friends and family! I didn't expect it really- it was awesome to know how much love and support surrounded our precious girl! She was a champ! She is so social and loved every minute of it, until she got tired and then she just went to sleep in my arms! She was great on the 32-plus hour trip home, after a 8 hour layover in Amsterdam! She slept and loved being held by me the whole time- my back hurt so bad, but it was WORTH it!
After visiting for a little bit, we headed for home- she fell asleep in her car seat and then she went right to bed when we got home. I must confess, at night we are letting her sleep with us and we all love it! She sleeps great! She woke up around 3am and had a bottle and then woke up around 6am or so- and that seems to be her pattern- can't complain! I love how she will turn toward you and just curl up in her sleep! Saturday, we continued with the fundraiser sale- and had lots of visitors.... Sunday, family came and brought dinner and fell more in love with "sweet cheeks"....Monday- just rest and prepare for the week of getting into our new routine. I had a nap! Then I was more tired. Today was our first day of "normal". It went pretty well, except when it was time for an afternoon nap- it was time to go do school pickup and she didn't really want to stay asleep- so tonight she was deleriously sleepy, almost giddy- just laughing and giggling and finally passed out on me! Sometimes she makes sounds and gestures that are so familiar to me, like I have known her before... probably just baby stuff- maybe similarities between my other babies. I am loving it! She is so sweet and happy and laid back!
I took her outside today to sit in the grass- she had never done that before, you could tell. She didn't know whether to laugh or cry- she just looked at me- it's going to take some time and I know she'll love it! Tonight was a little crazy, thank goodness for my crock pot- she was tired, didn't want to be put down- Harrison was "starving" but not for what I cooked, Isabelle had dance- let the chaos begin! My hubby says," do you think if we did this again, we would get one as sweet as her?" I couldn't believe it- who knew that he had even thought of it? I guess we'll see- she is such a jewel and I love her like she was made in my own womb- I can't believe it but I do! She is such a wonderful miracle! I know God made her just for us and we feel so blessed and thankful! She's perfect in every way!