Family

 The Love of a Family is life's greatest blessings.

After school is out for the summer, I always make my way to our hometown for a few days.  We combined a graduation party, along with a few days at my parents' so my sister's family could meet Sarah.  Sunday morning, Sarah woke up with a low-grade fever, and while "no biggee", our family is still in the "it's new for you" mentality with her.  Scrambling through the house and gathering last-minute items to pack, I was frantically looking for my wedding ring and watch.  It was no where to be found, and I wouldn't be back until Thursday, but one word came to our minds....SARAH!!

While not on her "A" game, she met her great-grandparents and made peace with Henry, the dog.  The kids explored nooks and crannies in the house, while piling on each other on chairs.

 A family, life's blessing.

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The weather cooled off the next few days, and we set up card tables on the deck, playing cards, dominoes, frisbee, and tag games outdoors during the day.  Still not feeling great, she was a trooper and allowed herself to bask in the glory of her cousins, aunt and uncle, and grandparents.  For two days, we played outside, swinging on the porch swing.    I enjoyed seeing the big kids, loving on my little kids.

My oldest nephew, Ethan's shoes next to Sarah's.  Oldest to youngest.  Men's size 14 to toddler 7.

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By Wednesday, she was being her curious, inquisitive self.  Opening cabinets, eating more, and playing.  And then we came home Thursday.  I knew I had a gigantic job, tearing through the house looking for my jewelry.  Andy had gone through the garbage Sunday evening, piece by piece, and nothing.  We'd already caught her throwing items in the toilets earlier, let alone the trash.

After lunch and she was down for a nap, the kids were playing in their rooms.  "Mom, I think I found your watch," Addy yelled.  Then, she dug further in the bin in her room and, lo and behold was my WEDDING RING!  Addy received a handsome reward!!

Toddler Tip:  All valuables must be higher than the height of said toddler!!! I won't be laying my jewelry on my dresser anymore!!!
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Celebration:  She is finally able to drink with a straw in a juicebox.  Yeah, Sarah!

Does she know she is loved?   Absolutely! 

A family, life's greatest blessings.

Celebrate your family this Father's Day Weekend.

It's Parents' Day for us.

All of us together.

Sunshine

Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, and drink the wild air...

Ralph Waldo Emerson

Living in the Sunshine...

 

Sarah brings us so much sunshine daily, that she must wear shades indoors.  This afternoon, I was playing a matching game with her and the kids, when she put on these glasses.  She continually wore them for the next half hour, even though they kept breaking.   We all were laughing as she would look up at us with serious face.

Then, she found her pair of pink shades and wore them on her head like Mama.

Swimming in the "Sea" (a.k.a the pool)

She LOVES the water!!  I've enjoyed watching her make her way down the row of "Mama" chairs, looking at the snacks they are eating.  She'll plop down in a empty chair, say a few words, and off to the next adventure.

Drinking in the wild air...

For Parents Day (Mother and Father's Day), Andy found a single bike trailer for us.  We went for our inaugural family bike ride this past week, and once she saw the kids had helmets, she wanted one.  It will need "tweaking", but it will do.  

She "tuned" up once inside the trailer, but by the end she was enjoying the ride.

Add some chalk and her own scooter, and this child is moving at full speed into the summer!

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FAQ's:

I've received many questions about her adjustment, so I wanted to share our experience with others.

1.  We are frequently asked if the language difference is a barrier?

Sarah understands what we are saying.  She nods her head, answers No or Yes, and uses motions to make her needs known.  We are working on sign language, but she communicates very well.  

2.  How has she adjusted?  

AMAZING!  The first week we were home, there were many errands and places to go. She was ready to get in the car, strapped in her seat, and met every new place with gusto.  She loves riding in the car and in the stroller.  She's not too picky with food, but we need to get a booster seat to keep her sitting at the table:)

At first, she would only drink from an open cup and couldn't figure out how to work a sippy cup or straw.  She is now drinking from both a sippy cup and a straw.  She uses regular utensils and  LOVES all snacks, but not much fresh fruit, yet.

3.  Sleep

We've moved her into her own room, with a cd of lullabyes playing continuously throughout the night.  She sleeps from 8:30ish until 6:30am.  If I bring her down at 6:30, she'll sleep another hour.  She takes a nap around 12:30ish for 1 1/2 hours and may fall asleep on the couch late afternoon for another quick nap. 

All right, so maybe she decides to take a quick nap on the floor!!  In this 90 degree heat, it might be the coolest place!!!

Let the Summer Games Begin

Today was the last day of school.

 

It's an Amazing place where our kids attend.  Where each child is celebrated for who they are and the stories they share.  Their teachers embraced Addy and Austin, loved them, and celebrated with us when Sarah came home.  Our children are loved in this magical place, and as a mama, that's what matters most.

Even Sarah got in on the action.

And Sarah is making her place in a new Crayon Box.  A place where she will attend school with her brother and sister.  Where she is already celebrated for her miraculous journey home.

 A place where she is hugged, loved, and cherished.

 She does not discriminate.  She hugs all who hold their arms out and those who need a little encouragement.

  Where teachers, parents, and students recognize her for the rock star she has become.

We are grateful for this school, the teachers, the staff, and the loving environment that surrounds each person who walks into the halls.  Thank You!

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When I am asked questions about adoption and Down syndrome in Eastern Europe, it's difficult to share the culture and norms regarding children with special needs.  Andy was questioned repeatedly the last few days he was over there about why Sarah, and not one of the other "healthier" children.  In fact, a caretaker told him to come back next year for a specific child by name.

My friend, Kecia, is over in the same country now, finishing the process on her little girl.  We became friends through blogging and email, but met in the capital for three hours over dinner.  We shared experiences thus far in the process, but we shared a common goal: a love for a little girl that was cast aside because of her diagnosis.  She writes about questions she was asked at church here about why she was adopting Mia.  It shows how our little girls are perceived by their country.

My little girl, with her abundant energy, her inquisitive nature, and love for adventure is copying her big brother and sister,

and living every moment to the fullest!

Riding the Bicycle of Life

Life is like riding a bicycle-in order to keep your balance you must keep moving.  Albert Einstein

I must say, our bicycle ride has finally switched to a slower gear today.  I don't feel like I'm running from one thing to the next.  The kids have 1 1/2 more days of school and we're already in summer mode, taking walks after dinner, playing with the neighbors, and having an impromptu gathering as we stop from house to house.

 I've mentioned she mimics everything.  Since I was rolling my hair in velcro rollers to get the frizzies out, she wanted to try her hair out in the same fashion.

 Yesterday, we stopped at Grandma's before making our inaugural visit to Target.  She met Henry and is learning most dogs are not as docile like her dog friend at the orphanage.  Most of the dogs she has met make a lot of noise!

Even in his cage, Henry is very loud!!

Once we arrived at Target, Sarah was more interested in her pretzels than the vast wonderland of colorful clothes, shoes, and accessories.

I tried to get her to showcase her latest swimwear, but back in the basket it went.

Since Austin is 7, I've forgotten the wonders of having a 3 year old around.  Like how her sandals ended up in my sock drawer, or she shuts herself in the pantry and can't get out. Then, yells at the pantry like it's the door's fault for closing her in.

Or anytime of the day, she will appear in her birthday suit and I frantically begin looking for the trail of clothes and pray surprises are not left behind:(

And I've forgotten how 3 year olds will fight sleep before finally giving in.  Sarah is a mover at night.  We learned that in country! We created a mini "bed" in our room while Sarah adjusts to her new surroundings.  She will postpone sleep by meticulously placing the pillows in perfect order so that she may slumber like the DIVA she is.  This latest arrangement is a new one.

 

But, this little girl will hug anyone who holds their arms open.  She knows no stranger and is filled with love and smiles for all who cross her path.  

Sisterly Love

I am constantly wanting to squeeze her nubby cheeks, hands, and legs,  can hardly believe she has been home one week.  It seems as if she has always been a part of our family.  Addy is the perfect older sister, pushing her cart, playing along with her games, and informing me of the latest shenanigan Sarah found herself in.

We are still figuring things out daily, like bathtime takes much longer now. Or that pool bags and my bag needs to be continually stocked with wipes, diapers, swimmies, and extra snacks and toys.  Or that she can go through three outfits daily.  When she dumps my coffee cup down her front or a whole cup of apple juice in the same day, those aren't minor spills you can let fly by:)  

But, when she looks up with her famous smile, ready for a hug and a kiss, 

all is right in our perfect world.

Happy Weekend.