3 Months Later...

Today marks 3 MONTHS since Violet arrived home!  She is doing amazing!  The quiet, clingy child that we met in China has quickly blossomed into her fun, noisy, stubborn, smart, independent self!  Her English is rapidly increasing; she's gone from saying single words to making phrases like, "I want shoes on!" or "There you go, all better."  or warning her siblings when she has to set her toy down with: "Violet's! No touch!".  But the best is when she randomly gives me a hug and says, "I love you!"  (Sounds more like "I yuv YOU" and she always shouts the last part!)

Take a look at some of our moments from this winter:

First BIG snow.  She could hardly walk, but didn't want to come in.

 

 

 

Promoted to Head Chef.

Gathering all the dolls she can find...and taking good care of them.

Lots of laughs playing peek-a-boo under the blanket.  She laughed at the "boo!", and I laughed at the static.

 

 

 

Happy Chinese New Year!

Let me remind you of the little girl we met 3 months ago:

It's ok baby girl!

It's really remarkable how quickly she adjusted, when you think about the HUGE changes that took place in her life.  I'm sure there will be days that we appreciate the training we received in dealing with potential emotional/psychological issues, but we haven't had to recall much of that yet!  It is so evident to us that this was a match made in heaven, and God has answered every prayer regarding her transitions to family life!

My Valentine

The only minor struggles have been caused by the frustration of not being able to communicate.  Sometimes it's because she doesn't want to take "no" for an answer (typical in ALL toddlers!) but other times it's simply because she doesn't understand the plan that we're trying to explain to her, or the reasons we can/can't do something.  This has made discipline a real challenge, because we want to teach her boundaries, but we don't want to punish her for those times when she genuinely doesn't understand, or to break the bonds & trust we are forming with her.  It can be complicated with any child, and is only compounded by the background of her first two years of life in an orphanage, and the cultural and communication issues, and everything being so new and different for her.... Lord, give us much wisdom in training our children!!

A meltdown on the kitchen floor, and daddy joins her and makes it all better.  Couldn't do this without him!!

An update on her skin condition:
If you've been following, you've probably heard something about Violet's "special need" (according to the way they categorize orphans in her home country, ANY imperfection whatsoever is labeled as "Special Needs").  She was born with a genetic skin condition called "Ichthyosis".  There are many varieties of it, and each can vary in severity.  It was a little overwhelming when we were researching it, but hers has turned out to be so MINOR!  We have been blessed beyond measure to be able to take care of this precious girl.  When we took her to the Pediatric Dermatologist and showed him what her skin looked like in China and how it looks now, he was blown away.  When we saw her for the first time, her entire torso/back was grey and peeling in huge flakes, sort of like a bad sunburn.  After using Aquaphor 3 times a day (and continuing to do that) her skin is clear, soft, and smooth.  He said, "Keep doing what you're doing!!" 

Then we learned that the makers of Aquaphor will provide their product for free to people diagnosed with her specific condition!  This is so helpful and so generous of them!! 

We praise the Lord for taking care of her & providing for her needs!!

Adoption Conference
In early February we heard about an adoption conference taking place not far from where we live, and one of the speakers was going to be Rev. Joshua Zhong, who is the founder and president of our adoption agency, CCAI.  It was really neat to meet him.  He is obviously so passionate about adoption and finding homes for these kids, as well as taking care of the orphans who are still waiting for a family.  Since opening CCAI over 20 years ago, they have helped find families for over 11,000 orphans!!  They are also ranked the #1 adoption agency in the world by China's central government.  We loved working with them and are so thankful for their role in helping us bring home our daughter!

Violet with Josh, who helped us get her home!

If you or anyone you know is even remotely interested in adopting from China, DON'T let the phrase "Special Needs" scare you away!  There are so many wonderful children available who are absolutely perfect in their own unique ways, and would flourish in a home with parents who would love and care for them!  Please feel free to contact me if you have ANY questions about the process of adoption.  I would love to share my knowledge & experience with you!  Even if it's just out of curiosity...or as a slight future possibility.  It's worth looking in to!