I want to encourage all of you who may be reading this and are just getting home from China or are in that extraordinarily trying 2-3 weeks of jet lag. You WILL make it. I truly felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel. I brought home a toddler who was darling as could be, highly intelligent with a precious sweet side but also a 2 year old stubborn side. And this toddler spoke virtually no English, therefore was not interested in books or videos. She also had no interest in most of the toys in her room. Her only interest was me. Though I was thrilled at the quick attachment, I realized it was an insecure attachment of "You're all I've got and all I know here, so I'm clinging to you." I felt like that would never change. I thought I'd never sleep again because of her jet lag, difference in bed time routine throwing her off, and night terrors. I felt like she'd still be eating while sitting on my lap at the age of 10! And I felt sure I'd break my back from carrying her around till she weighed 60 pounds! I thought I'd be home bound because she screamed bloody murder in the car seat. And the irrational fears went on and on. I'm sure there are those that can face it all more rationally and with a clear head, but I was not one of them. Sleep deprivation, an exhausting and stressful international trip, extreme lifestyle change, and a 2 year old can do that! BUT....as I said, there IS light at the end of the tunnel! A wonderful bright shining light that makes you almost forget how dark things once seemed! So, hang in there!
Only 1 night terror since I last wrote. HUGE praise to God on that one! She adores bath time, no issues with car seats, high chairs, shopping carts, or stroller! For the first time tonight she ran around like all the other 2 year olds at Incredible Pizza. Except that she was mostly intrigued with how the card scanners worked. (That's my little engineer!) She went to the mall with Pop Pop and played independently, running around and sliding, etc. with all the other children! (And she went with him away from me while I taught lessons!) She adores her pool and never wants to get out! She'll allow me to go to another room for a couple of minutes now without being scared and has even come to find me the last couple of days! I can tell there's still some fear there when I'm not in her sight, making sure I'm not abandoning her. But she's MUCH more securely attached now. Amazing for just 10 weeks home in my opinion! She knows about 70 English words now that she initiates. However, she must comprehend hundreds or more because she seems to ALWAYS know what I'm asking her or telling her to do. This has relieved a lot of stress for both of us. We're really beginning to see her hilarious sense of humor. She has SO many expressions. I think she's gonna be a speach and drama diva like her Mimi. And she LOVES music like her mama. Wants to sing int he microphone and play piano every day. Fine by me! :)
Still not much interest in books. We're working on that one, but she is just 2 after all! She still loves toys she has to figure out. However, she has branched out and adores her play kitchen. Anything to do with cooking or cleaning, she enjoys. Ooooooh how I hope THAT continues! ;) These are two things Mommy does NOT enjoy and I am happy to indulge her if she wants to do ti for me!
What's amazing is that she can be so typically 2 one minute, and the next have such a mature wise look on her face and in her eyes. It's always a reminder to me that she's been through a lot and I think she knows it. She seems to consider everything carefully and mull it over. She's tender hearted if someone is hurt and insists on kissing the "Ouch". And if a child is crying, she wants to go help. She has so many wonderful sides to her And even that strong willed stubborn side has fueled her to overcome adversities most of us will never imagine. So much more to tell but I'm fading, so will have to continue later.
Now for the fun part...pictures! She had her first JC Penny photo shoot recently, so I'll start with a few of those!
At each meal, Kaylee does "prayer hands" and bows her head. At the end when the "Amen" is said she shouts, "Hallelujah"! It's priceless! So, right after this sweet pic was taken, the photographer was a little shocked when she got a "HALLELUJAH!" all of a sudden!
The orphanage gave us this traditional Mongolian outfit. Too precious!
No, she did not hurt her ankle. She found her way into one of Mimi's kitchen drawers at the cabin and felt that her rolling pin cover would be put to much better use as an ankle brace, took off her shoe, and there ya have it!
Happy 4th Everyone! I'm a new citizen!
We were in the car with Mimi who needed to run in Hobby Lobby. So, I said Kaylee needed a new diaper, so we'd stay and I'd change her. BUT, she'd drunk an entire glass of water at dinner, so the diaper hadn't done the job. Since I was coming right home, I decided to just take off the "icky" outfit as she called it. Then she wanted to wear mommy's pearls. And THEN she wanted to stand up in the moon roof and yell, "Miiiiii Miiiiiii!" Mimi about dropped her bags of loot and fell on the ground laughing when she came out. I'm sure everyone else enjoyed the entertainment as well!
Then Pop Pop was waiting to take Mimi home when we got to my house and she of course had to complete the "ensemble" with his ball cap! Hey, at least she knows a giro's gotta have her pearls! And yes, that is mommy's iPhone that is now off limits! '
This one and the next are at gymnastics. Move over Nadia!
