I had fun updating the pages on our blog and remembering back to when I started this blog almost a year ago. It's amazing to think about how many people helped to bring Kate home. It was a journey of faith and God continues to surround us with amazing people! We have the best team taking care of Kate's CP needs and her school is perfect! We love her teacher, Ms. Julie, and truly can't say enough wonderful things about her! I thought the More at Four program would be the best for her, but God had other plans when the program was full. He helped us find Julie who has helped in so many ways! It's a good reminder to me that my prayers are always answered, although it's not always the answer I thought it would be!
I will forever be grateful that Brennan was able to travel to China with me! It truly meant the world to have him along! I wish his adjustment to having a sister could have been easier once we got home, but hopefully he'll look back at the experience with laughter and appreciation because it forced him to grow and share a little more. Brennan is such a caring and wonderful person... I always say he's a "work in progress" though. I love the changes I've seen in him since June. He's truly learning what a special gift it is to have a sister!
I remember the months of August/September as the hardest months of my life! Going back to work was tough for everyone- especially Kate because I wasn't with her all day anymore! We all took our turns falling apart... but thankfully once Kate got used to her schedule everything settled down and life became easier. I wish I would have screamed for help and if asked to give advice to anyone adopting an older child, I would definitely suggest getting a babysitter once a week for "breathing time". I hope Kate doesn't remember much of this time of her life because her mom was definitely not her best. If she does remember, I hope she has empathy and understanding for all of us! If anything, it truly makes me appreciate our happier and less stress free days that we now experience with a lot more thanks!
Kate has truly amazed all of us! She has picked up on the language so well! The other day she learned the very American phrase "duh" and used it often (and appropriately). She cracks us up with her sense of humor! She truly is a funny, sweet, caring, and amazing little person! She is determined and stubborn too- both good things most of the time!
We took a walk today to the little playground in our neighborhood. It's about six blocks away and Kate walked the entire way! I would have never imagined she could walk that far back in June! I wish I understood how her CP makes her feel though- she's been a little grumpy tonight and so I'm thinking it may be because her muscles ache a little and she just doesn't know or understand that yet.
They are in the process of designing some new braces for her legs. The first ones have helped a little but her feet still turn in too much and we still go through a pair of shoes every month because of her toe drag. Hopefully the new braces will work a little better. What truly seems to work best for her is exercise every day! She often practices the skills that Ms. Caitlyn teaches her at physical therapy. Her newest skills are jumping and trying to balance on one leg. She's always so proud when she accomplishes one of the skills!
She still squeals loudly when she is excited! It is so cute to hear! Her enthusiasm brings joy to my heart!
Everyday I ask God to help me be patient, kind, loving, and sincere to everyone I meet. I ask Him to help me be the best I can be in all the "hats" I wear (teacher, daughter, mother, sister, and wife). I ask Him to help my words be understood clearly and for His arms to be felt around anyone who is hurting or sad. Finally I thank him for all the blessings in my life and thank him for the health and happiness of my family.
I don't always live up to my prayer (flashback to September)... but I know He understands and forgives. For 2012 my New Year's Resolution is to live up to my prayer even better than I did in 2011. 2011 was such a magical year! So many prayers were answered in such wonderful ways! I look forward to 2012 and all the wonderful memories waiting to be made!
Happy New Year!
I so relate to what you describe as those first few months. She will only remember that you hugged her when that is all you knew to do. I have to believe that for my own sake as well. She is such a special girl and you have given Brennen the best gift of his life. Even if he doesn't know it yet!
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