Six Months

Our Doll has been home six months!!! In some ways it feels as if she's always been here and in other ways it feels like we've just returned from China. The past months have been a whirlwind to say the least. Libbie has transformed before our eyes. She has blossomed into this little fire cracker that blows us away. She has a spirit like wild mustang, yet she is gentle and sweet (on her terms). She is very busy and never slows down. When she falls, even when it's a bad fall, she picks herself up and tries again. She never ever gives up. Not in a million years would I have imagined the relationship I have with her today. Leaving the corporate world was the best thing I could have done for the two of us (and for our family). She cuddles with me and asks me to "Bock You Mamma" (rock her to sleep) every night. She calls for me when she is frightened or uncomfortable in her night brace. She will touch my face and pull me close to her and she loves to put my hands around her cheeks and embrace her. It took time, but we have fully bonded. Don't get me wrong... she is a daddy's girl and I think she always will be, which is fine by me. He's tough competition and I'm no match to his pony rides and tickles. Her English is amazing. She understands more than she speaks, but everyday she seems to add more and more to her vocabulary. She can count to 10, state her name and age and she knows how to shout orders at Hoot. Speaking of Hoot, he has bonded with Libbie as well. She adores him and he likes it. They drive each other crazy, but when they're apart, they ask for each other. He is gentle with her and treats her like she's an infant. It's funny to listen to him talk to her... He baby talks and she orders him around. She loves to sword fight with him and dress up in his costumes. She came out in an Iron Man mask today and tried to scare me. Libbie is a natural survivor. She is brave and strong. She isn't afraid to speak her mind and she will let you know if she doesn't like something. I often wonder what life was really like for her in the orphanage. She showed aggressive tendencies early on and we have had to work with her on being kind and gentle. She would raise her hand like she was going to hit when she didn't like a situation. Thankfully, we worked through that behavior. She knows that she is safe and that we won't harm her and in turn she has relaxed and let her guard down. Now when she doesn't like something or feels threatened she says, "Bop Dat" Stop that... or she shows her concern in her eyes. I have also relaxed and feel more confident about our relationship. I admit I was very insecure about her feelings for me. I knew that it was normal for an adopted child to bond to one parent and I had heard that little girls sometimes bonded with daddy first. However , in my mind I really thought those moms must have done something wrong and that just wouldn't happen to me. Slowly but surely she accepted me and as I backed off and allowed her to come to me on her terms our relationship progressed. Many have asked about her physical development. She has gained 7lbs and has grown 2 inches since we've been home. She continues to be a great eater, but has slowed down some. She's just started to tell me what she would like for meals... she'll say, "how bout... gogurt??, or how bout eggs??" I love that she can communicate what she wants now. We have made several trips to Shriners Hospital (WE LOVE SHRINERS) and her new braces are awesome. (her new shoes are not) She walks so much better with her AFO's but we still haven't found a shoe that fits her like the shoes Shriners provided (they're boys shoes). She will have surgery some time in the near future (hopefully after Christmas) to correct her feet. She will never have movement in her ankle joints but they believe they can set her feet in a better position that will allow her to walk flat footed. She will continue to wear AFO's through her childhood but as an adult she should be able to walk without them. At this point she isn't able to walk at all without her AFO's. We continue to be amazed each day at what God shows us through this little girl. She has a love for life and doesn't seem to be bothered by her disabilities. Her favorite movie is Tangled. She loves Rapunzel and now that her hair is long enough to pull in pig tails she calls herself Wawa Punzel. I don't know that we will ever stop calling her Wawa. It sounded so strange to call her that at first, but now it's stuck.. she is Wawa. She answers to Libbie and knows that is her name but she continues to refer to herself as Wawa. So happy six months Wawa Punzel. I love you and thank God for you daily. You have blessed our family and many others with your smile and wit. I can't imagine life without you.
1 Samuel 1:27
I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him.