Today marks one week that the 6 of us have woken up under the same roof. Yes, it's surreal. Yes, we are ecstatic. Yes, we are smitten. Yes, we are working through struggles figuring out the new rhythm of our family.
Yes, the roller coaster ride of the last 2 years is fading. Yes, the flight home, like childbirth, is fading. No, we can't believe she is finally home. Except that we get to stare at her 24/7.
This honeymoon thing is pretty delightful. I mean, yes, we have had our sad moments. Moments when we don't know exactly what she wants and her frustration escalates. Times when we look into her sad eyes and can't seem to do much but be with her... but those are the rare moments.
There are the moments when she sees a dog, even from afar, and she is overcome with panic. Overcome.
But most of the time she is playful and silly. She likes books and blocks and she loves to play with the toy food. She likes being outside (except when there is snow), and usually does not want to come inside when it is time. She loves Lucy, Clay and Aidan. They are certainly her 3 favorite toys.
She's parroting a lot of English, but also showing some signs of comprehension.
She loves loves loves her baths. She always has, but now she lays down in the water and "swims."
When we were in Ethiopia, Sitota insisted that we feed her every bite of every meal. She's feeding herself 90% of the time, now. She still makes the kids feed her from time to time. I am pretty sure she does it just because she can. I got a text from Aidan when I was at the post office the other day. It said, "I figured out how to get Sitota to eat grapes. I'm peeling them." Yes... he was peeling her grapes. I'm happy to report that at dinner tonight she was eating grapes, skin and all. Maybe she would have if Aidan hadn't peeled any. Maybe not. She's a tester. She might refuse the first time it's offered, but then the next time, she'll ll try.
She loves eggs and pasta and pizza (thank you) and potatoes, and boy oh boy does she love squash. She does not love chick peas or meat of any kind. She was a big fan of the buffalo chicken tenders we got from Corsettis. Which makes me crave buffalo chicken dip.
She does not love when I mess with her hair. For now, we'll be sticking with the free 'fro with an occasional headband. I hope as trust grows she'll become more comfortable.
Same goes for sleep. She's still quite sad at bedtime and avoids the bedroom at all costs, but we think as she continues to grow in trust, she'll relax more into it.
How are the rest of us?
When the tree fell on the roof it caused some damage in the girls' room, so until the repairs are done, Lucy is sleeping on the floor in our room. It's convenient timing, because she would be there anyway :-) She's doing great, but loves to be close to us. She loves helping her little sister
Aidan loves that he's the first one home from school. He and Sitota have some quiet time, and they both really look forward to it.
Clay is more affectionate with Sitota than he has been with anyone. I love to look over and see them reading or snuggling together. Clay also has more Ethiopian pride than anyone I have ever seen. He loves to wear his shirt and hat and necklace to school :-)
Rob and I are good but still oh, so, tired. On more than one occasion last week I slept from 7:30 pm-6:30 am. Rob is working, but takes time to be with us every day, too. It's hard to get anything done around the house, but we are ok with that. The jetlag is a little easier this time with such a delightful little distraction.
We had some testing done this week, and are relieved that Sitota is in good overall health. Her mollescum on her neck is annoying, but nothing more.
I can't believe we are only a week in. When I put that frame around it, it looks pretty great.
Thanks, God.
Yes, the roller coaster ride of the last 2 years is fading. Yes, the flight home, like childbirth, is fading. No, we can't believe she is finally home. Except that we get to stare at her 24/7.
This honeymoon thing is pretty delightful. I mean, yes, we have had our sad moments. Moments when we don't know exactly what she wants and her frustration escalates. Times when we look into her sad eyes and can't seem to do much but be with her... but those are the rare moments.
There are the moments when she sees a dog, even from afar, and she is overcome with panic. Overcome.
But most of the time she is playful and silly. She likes books and blocks and she loves to play with the toy food. She likes being outside (except when there is snow), and usually does not want to come inside when it is time. She loves Lucy, Clay and Aidan. They are certainly her 3 favorite toys.
She's parroting a lot of English, but also showing some signs of comprehension.
She loves loves loves her baths. She always has, but now she lays down in the water and "swims."
When we were in Ethiopia, Sitota insisted that we feed her every bite of every meal. She's feeding herself 90% of the time, now. She still makes the kids feed her from time to time. I am pretty sure she does it just because she can. I got a text from Aidan when I was at the post office the other day. It said, "I figured out how to get Sitota to eat grapes. I'm peeling them." Yes... he was peeling her grapes. I'm happy to report that at dinner tonight she was eating grapes, skin and all. Maybe she would have if Aidan hadn't peeled any. Maybe not. She's a tester. She might refuse the first time it's offered, but then the next time, she'll ll try.
She loves eggs and pasta and pizza (thank you) and potatoes, and boy oh boy does she love squash. She does not love chick peas or meat of any kind. She was a big fan of the buffalo chicken tenders we got from Corsettis. Which makes me crave buffalo chicken dip.
She does not love when I mess with her hair. For now, we'll be sticking with the free 'fro with an occasional headband. I hope as trust grows she'll become more comfortable.
Same goes for sleep. She's still quite sad at bedtime and avoids the bedroom at all costs, but we think as she continues to grow in trust, she'll relax more into it.
How are the rest of us?
When the tree fell on the roof it caused some damage in the girls' room, so until the repairs are done, Lucy is sleeping on the floor in our room. It's convenient timing, because she would be there anyway :-) She's doing great, but loves to be close to us. She loves helping her little sister
Aidan loves that he's the first one home from school. He and Sitota have some quiet time, and they both really look forward to it.
Clay is more affectionate with Sitota than he has been with anyone. I love to look over and see them reading or snuggling together. Clay also has more Ethiopian pride than anyone I have ever seen. He loves to wear his shirt and hat and necklace to school :-)
Rob and I are good but still oh, so, tired. On more than one occasion last week I slept from 7:30 pm-6:30 am. Rob is working, but takes time to be with us every day, too. It's hard to get anything done around the house, but we are ok with that. The jetlag is a little easier this time with such a delightful little distraction.
We had some testing done this week, and are relieved that Sitota is in good overall health. Her mollescum on her neck is annoying, but nothing more.
I can't believe we are only a week in. When I put that frame around it, it looks pretty great.
Thanks, God.
1 comment:
Just wanted to say a huge congratulations from me and all the Misfits. Big hugs. :)
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