Giving Thanks

I find myself intertwined in the have-to's of life that I neglect this space.  Not by choice, but because I need time for myself.  It doesn't mean I am not living in the moment, nor capturing these special times with my girl.  I am.  Sitting on the sofa, watching my girl wrestle with her dad, laughing and smiling, knowing she has him wrapped completely around his finger.

 An "early" Christmas party had my Sarah, walking around as if they were all there for her.  "Does she ever just sit?"  I was asked.  No, not so much.  She's got to suck the marrow out of every moment, every experience, and make friends with anyone she meets.  And we've got front row seats to this marvelous show.

Anyone she shares her space with is blessed with smiles, a wave, and often a hug.  Then, her new found friends leave on their merry way, with a smile on their face.  Their hearts are lighter, and for that one moment in time, my girl showed them unconditional love.

Yesterday was our first experience with ear tube surgery.  She handled the not-eating nor drinking better than I thought.  

 

Sarah has shown her independence by not always appreciating the outfits I have chosen for her to wear.  This morning, the big kids had gone to school and she was in her pajamas, while we were waiting to leave for the hospital.  I found her in her room putting on pants she chose,  a skirt, and  a shirt to her liking.

Her affection for Brown Bear continues, so she was reading to all who stopped in her room for questions and vitals.  Her comfort item.

The "Being Good and Patient" currency is about used up and she's tired of sitting in the bed.  However, Andy and I are quite partial to the "gates" on the side of the bed.  Something to think about, just sayin:)

 

A few more minutes and we walked her to the surgery room.  We no sooner checked into the waiting room and she was finished.  Another 45 minutes in recovery and we were able to see her.  

"She'd be tired and groggy.  A little cranky, and won't be able to eat much," were my instructions and information.  Miss Sarah ate two bowls of cheerios, cheezits, yogurt, and tacos that evening.  She never napped.  My trash cans were emptied, Addy's closet was raided, and many tissues were found around the house.  My Sarah, going against the grain.  Proving everyone wrong.

I am thankful Andy went to Sam's for my coffee addiction.  The Tim Horton's is in honor of my friend Jayme, who pronounced her affirmation for Tim Horton's coffee as the greatest.

After much begging and pleading, Andy "allowed" us to put up the tree before Thanksgiving.  This is what happens to someone who has never seen a Christmas tree, stockings hung by the mantle, nor stainless steel stocking holders.

Sarah was excited and dancing around when she pulled her new ballerina stocking down off the mantle.  A goose egg, a badge of honor, and many more to come.  She'll have a Thanksgiving story to tell all.

*************************

Thanksgiving is always a reflection time, to be grateful, thankful for our many blessings.  Sunday, it dawned on me.  A year ago, Sarah was a picture.  A little girl without a smile in an oversized pink dress.

Now look at her, a busy, little girl, making her way in the world. 

 Everyday has the possibility of a miracle.  Elizabeth David.

It's your choice whether you see it.

Filled With Gratitude

At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person.  Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us. 

Albert Sweitzer

Everyday is a celebration in our household.  Everyday, we are filled with gratitude, blessings, and love.  Everyday we see the transformation of what a few short months with a family and love can do.  Everyday, we are thankful for our little girl.

I am "thankful" she has learned to find her "snack" in the pantry when she is hungry, spill it all over the floor, and talk to Austin as if she has no clue how the Golden Grahams landed on the floor.

I am thankful that Addy and Austin are daily teaching Sarah new things, and she is proving her Mama and Papa wrong.  Tonight when her speech therapist was here, we were writing some words and sounds to work on.  When she was playing with Addy, don't you know she proved us both wrong and spoke those sounds.  (I'm working on video of her speaking soon, I promise.)

 Thankful for my little sprite's spunky personality.  In the fast-paced morning, I neglect to take pictures of her in the early morning.  By the time she comes home, she looks like she enjoyed her day.  Mismatched clothes, hair askew, and so I captured the breakfast of champions, with Miss Sarah turning her head in the "teasing" way she plays.

My little helper, taking the folded clothes up and down the stairs.  Putting them in the dirty clothes basket, and distributing other clothes in places I'll find in the next couple months:)

Oh, I wish I could share how this girl has changed our lives and those she is with on a daily basis.  Her teachers are continually amazed with her quickness for picking up new concepts.  Her classmates treat her as an equal, but are filled with compassion and help her as needed.  Daily, we are met with hugs, hellos, and goodbyes when she is in the great places she is.

My Sarah, changing lives, changing perceptions, changing...

I am thankful in another week, we're heading to my hometown.  To be in that circle of thankfulness, family, and love.  Where a year ago, she was a picture of hope.  This year, she is amongst us.

I am filled with gratitude daily.  It's the greatest way to live!

Stop The Presses!!!

 LOVE, LOVE, LOVE how she smiles with her eyes closed, as if she's imagining every joyful moment will appear when she opens them and she can hardly contain herself.

I've been trying to find my writing groove this past month.  Between the flu, laryngitis, bronchitis, and now a cold all in the last month, surviving the week has been our main focus.  The kids have remained healthy until this week, with both girls catching a bad cold.  Sarah's pediatrician continues to be amazed with her.  She's gained 3 pounds since July and 1/4 inch tall.  She's added another tooth in an already crowded mouth, and her heart has no issues.  We will be going for eartube surgery in another week.  Another new for this mama and papa:) I know it's no big deal, but new to us.

 In the last week, Sarah's words have exploded.  After Trick or Treat, she said Austin and Addy.  She's begun saying her teachers'  names, told me to Wake Up, and told her class to Line Up.  Every day she is signing and speaking more and more, without prompts.  Every day we are celebrating these moments of our little girl.

Last night, I turned on the Christmas music. (I know it's early, but I LOVE it so much and it's a shame to only play it for a mere 30 days out of the year.)  Sarah climbed up next to Addy, cuddled, and hummed along. 

What a picture!  Sisterly bonds.  Addy had a sleepover last weekend, and Sarah walked downstairs at 6am, announcing her presence to the late sleepers by turning on all the lights.  Andy brought her back upstairs, but she only lasted another hour before she needed to join the party!

It's National Adoption Month, a time to celebrate those who have found families, and to pray for those who are still waiting.  Andy and I were talking last night.  Our lives have been changed because of this little girl.  She walks into a room, restaurant, or store, waving to one and all.  She melts their hearts, makes them smile, and brightens everyone's day.  And this mama loves when she comes running to me, once she sees me at school.

“The child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn't been, and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him.”  Pablo Casal


My Sarah...