December 2007 January 2008
February 2008 Update
Happy New Year, Everyone! And, yes, as usual, we’re running
a bit behind..
The holidays this year were a busy, busy, busy (and lots of
fun, of course). We had family here from all across the
country, so it was never a dull moment. Louisa got to meet
her Georgia family, her Nebraska family and the rest of her
Arizona family. Of course, her St Louis and Chicago families
were also on hand. Now we just need her to meet her
California family and she will have personally met all 15 of
her cousins.
First off, Louisa is doing great! She is a little powerhouse
filled with LOTS of energy. Funny energy. Lovey-cuddly
energy. Mischievous energy. It’s no wonder she falls asleep
so quickly at bedtime. Avery has finally met her match!
Sometimes I have to remind Avery that we need “Peace and
calm. Peace and calm.” when she starts getting her little
sister all wound up. Louisa just adores Avery and the
feeling is most definitely mutual. It is so sweet to see
them laughing and having fun together. It’s equally as
wonderful to see the gentle exchanges between two sisters,
like Avery retrieving Louisa’s dropped toy (without being
asked!) or Louisa giving Avery a hug and “pat-pat” (without
being asked!) Honestly, we couldn’t ask for more.
We were told about Louisa’s love of music, but we’ve
discovered that she loves to dance too. She started
“twirling” after seeing Avery perform in The Nutcracker in
December. Now we have two beautiful ballerinas. So sweet!
She also loves dancing to salsa music, as we discovered at a
music kiosk at Whole Foods. After putting on the headphones
and giving us a “no-no-no” to a couple selections, we tried
salsa music. BINGO! She started bobbing and grooving along
and did not want to take off the headphones. So, of course I
had to buy it. She also loves showing us her moves to cousin
Rob’s piano cds (thanks, Rob!). This kid has rhythm!
Louisa started going to daycare in December and has
transitioned well. Our pediatrician warned us that she could
regress a little, but so far so good. There’s a window in
her room there that lets me peek at her, so I’ve seen
first-hand that she absolutely has a ball and is just plain
happy (well – most of the time, anyway). She has even
started going to bed fully awake without tears. This is
HUGE! This tells us that she has reached an emotional level
where she feels safe and secure with us. She knows we’ll be
there in the morning or any time she calls out. BTW -
Typically, she sleeps for 11-12 hours a night without a
peep. You gotta love that!
We’ve been home with Louisa for five months now and it’s
remarkable how far she has come. Did we ever mention how
strong-willed she is? Like most children her age, she wants
things done all on her terms, including the pace at which
she bonds and attaches to us. It seems like we’ve been
slowly chipping away at this little wall she has put up. As
her trust and love for us grows, tiny pieces of her
hesitation and doubt fall away. I guess she just can’t
resist our charms! Make no mistake, she has most definitely
bonded and attached to all three of us, but there’s just a
tiny bit more chipping to be done. This may seem strange,
but we wouldn’t want it any other way. When we do get hugs
and kisses from Louisa, we know that she really, truly means
it!
I’d like to share one last thought before wrapping things
up. My sister, Tracee, gave me a pack of prayer cards to
take along on our China travels, and the night before we
were to meet Louisa, I came across a prayer that calmed my
frayed nerves. I keep it by my bed now, as it has not only
helped on those days that required some “chipping” with
Louisa, but also for when the everyday life of a
full-time-working-mother-of-two just gets overwhelming. I
hope it brings some solace to all those who are still in the
wait for their precious children.
Wishing you peace in 2008,
Julia, Charlie, Avery and Louisa
Stepping
Stone
I do not ask to walk smooth paths
nor bear an easy load.
I pray for strength and fortitude
to climb the rock-strewn road.
Give me such courage and I can scale
the headiest peaks alone,
And transform every stumbling block
into a stepping stone.
- Gail Brook Burket |
|
First Christmas tree
First day of school
First snow
First visit with Santa
(aka, “the calm before the storm”)
First official Christmas photo
(yes, this was our best shot)
Whew! That’s a lot of firsts! |
