That is exactly how I feel when I think about the fact that we were handed our “China Baby” six months ago. The past six months have been: a blur, overwhelming, wonderful, sad, happy, great, terrible, very slow, and absolutely nothing like I had imagined since we started this journey. However, I am most confident that they have been everything God had intended them to be.
Gotcha Day
“How is she doing?” Oh, if only I had a dime for every time I get asked that question.
So, how IS she doing?
Well, the Mommy who has raised a couple of other two year old’s thinks that she is a pretty typical two year old. She is a picky eater, she plays well alone and with others (when she wants to), she likes to sleep in her crib (unlike her sisters), she hates to have her hair washed, is pretty good about letting us brush her teeth, and gets upset when we don’t know what she wants.
The fist time Mommy of a two year old who: was abandoned by her mother at 3 months old, raised in foster care until she was a year old, was then put in an orphanage until she was two, and then handed over to two people who look nothing like anyone she had ever seen before, put on a plane and has spent the last six months in completely unfamiliar territory, thinks she is doing remarkably well.
6 months
No, I don’t think she is completely convinced that we are not going to give her to someone else, yet. No, I don’t feel like she is as bonded as she will be. No, I don’t think she completely trusts us yet, but why should she. I actually admire her independence and her fighting spirit, maybe she is a little like her “Momma.”
Yes, I think she feels safe with us. Safe enough to test boundaries (aka temper tantrums). Yes, I thinks she loves our “orphanage” but, you can’t beat only two other kids who cater to your every want. Yes, I believe that there will come a time when deep down in her soul she will know that I am Momma and Na is Daddy and that she is the little sister.
“How are the other girls?” “What do the other girls think of her?” These are also two of my favorite questions.
The “other girls” are the most amazing “big sisters” I have ever witnessed. Bax has always been the best big sister I have ever known. She has taken on another little sister like there was nothing to it. I sometimes think “If I was just half the Mom that she is sister …”
She is my learning curve as a Mom and I am blessed to have her as my first daughter. She is about to enter the 3rd grade. She went to church camp for the first time this summer. She is the only kid I know whose favorite TV shows are: How it’s made, Dirty jobs, and anything on Animal Planet.
Blaise is a great little and big sister. She will play with Baelin and calm her when she is upset. She already admires Baxley, and “I just like Bax’s clothes better” has already started. Na and I often say,”One day Blaise will rule a small or maybe medium sized country.” She will be starting kindergarten this year. She is very excited and tells me to “zip it” when I talk about keeping her home because I don’t want her to leave me.
When I was pregnant with Blaise I prayed fervently against jealousy and envy, and for a deep love to develop between the girls. I can say that God has definitely granted my request.
When we started this adoption process I started praying the same prayer. Again, God has answered my prayer.
I have learned so much about God, myself, relationships, faith, trust, obedience, and love in the past six months. …..”it aint about how fast you get there, or what’s waiting on the other side, it’s the climb”.
I didn't know you had a blog, and now I know that, to read it, I need Kleenex. Precious thoughts and courageous hours are behind and before you. You have my utmost respect and prayers...
ReplyDeleteGreat post Y'all. And Happy 6 months. Really How are she doing. Lol just kidding We get that a bunch grr but I guess what are they suppose to ask. Tell miss Bax I never did get my color picture:) Your right she is one great kiddo.
ReplyDelete