Best Friends

M and her best friend. We are so blessed to have our travel mates
living 10 minutes away.  They moved here for business after our trip
 to China. Such a small world.

#$%@ People Say To Transracial Families

Thank Goodness for Insurance

The last 5 months have been eventful for the two of us. Our condo was flooded back in September when our neighbor's toilet came away from the wall. All of our belongings were packed and stored. We've stayed in 2 hotels, a few nights with a friend, a rental and lastly with the grandparents.  We are finally back home.  There are freshly painted walls, new wood/tile floors and bathroom vanities.  Everything but the kitchen was replaced.  Was it worth it? No, I don't think so. M was in a good place back in September.  Sleeping well, making friends, going to gym and the museum.  She seemed secure in her surroundings.  All of these changes do not lend themselves to improving attachment.  I can see the regression.  At least 2 steps back. She adapts well to her circumstances so time will heal.  We are getting back on track.  It saddens me to know her progress was stalled for 5 months.  Luckily, my little girl is resilient. 

 

P.S.  Florida is a no-fault state so my neighbors weren't held responsible even though as seasonal residents they are required to turn off the water to their unit when gone for long periods of time. Thank goodness for home owners insurance.  Yes, I had to pay the deductible and for upgrades but it would have been so much worse without insurance.  My biggest gripe is with the movers.  Someone felt they needed a Nintendo Wii and Wii Fit with accessories (a very big splurge for a single mom), a tv and 4 area rugs more than than I did. Go figure? Again, it could have been worse.

Now the good part....pictures!

At the rental house

Hotel
 

Aunt Laurie on the beach





Gym
 








Halloween - This Year and Last...

Can you see how much she has grown? Same pumpkin shirt, pumpkin patch and church bench. I can't remember M as a baby any longer. She's such a big girl gaining her independence more and more each day. Kind of tugs at her mother's heart.

M dressed up as a cowgirl this year. She was adorable in her cowboy hat.  I don't think her little pumpkin shirt will fit next year but I can't wait to add another picture.  

2011



2012

 

Time for an update

We had our final post placement visit a few weeks ago.  It's nice to have almost all the paperwork finally behind us with the exception of filing for readoption.

M has come so far in the past 14 months.  I am still working on attachment and making her feel as secure as possible.  She's adding more words but seems to rely on her own language for most things.  She's running, jumping, dancing and enjoying classes at MyG*m.  Growing stronger everyday.  She has a mouth FULL of teeth including her 2.5/3.5 year molars.  Her smile lights up a room and she has a wicked sense of humor. 

While in China, I really connected with one family  (although everyone was wonderful) on a more personal level.  The most amazing coincidence happened a few months ago when they moved to our city.  Their daughter, J, turns 2 this week so she's about 6 weeks older than M.  J was in much better physical shape when we met the girls and continues to exceed expectations.  We get together several times a week including the gym.  M tries to imitate her friend at every opportunity which has been the best "physical therapy".  Plus, we actually have friends and places to go!

Here's a clip of M and J enjoying a video on the computer.  Both had been sick with terrible colds for two weeks.  J's was still lingering.  My girl is on the left.  Doesn't she look happy?!!

Here are a few pictures taken this summer.