Something has been eating at me just a bit though. Perhaps its a silly fear of being judged, though none of us will ever be able to escape human judgement but none-the-less I feel the desire to clear up any possible misconceptions. When I post about my excitement of Alyssa's (or Marni's) quick ability to learn, please don't think for a moment that if it were not the case that I would see them as any less worthy or that I'd be any less proud. My excitement stems from knowing that the girls NOW have an oppurtunity to reach their fullest potential, regardless of what that means. It's like if Nadia is forever in a wheelchiar, I am okay with that because we know she is getting everything possible to help her develop to reach her greatest potential. But if she stands up and walks? I will be elated because it is what SHE wants and will bring her great joy! Seeing Marni light up and seriously CRAVE sign language because it gives her the oppurtunity to connect with the world, makes my heart leap for joy. Seeing Alyssa also begin to find that ability excites me too because communication is what helps us to build relationships and can calm fears and allow us to better meet her needs as she can more easily share what they are with us. That's all! I'm just excited that God has blessed us with children that we can be used to bless them too!!
Right now my princess is snoring away. I thought she might have a little head cold because of her nasal congestion but her eyes are so watery today that I'm beginning to wonder if it might not be allergies. I finally gave her some Benadryl and laid her down for an early nap. She has her medical exam in a few hours (which would ordinarily be in the middle of nap time) so I guess it all works out.
Alyssa is such a tremendous joy! Why God chooses to bless our family so abundantly is beyond me. We were recently asked in an interview about our family, why special needs kids, what would we say to those people who don't get it, what is it? Its funny because its hard for me to understand how people couldn't get it...and yet sadly, I think most people don't. Honestly, I find it impossible to answer such questions without sounding incredibly "religious" or like I'm speaking "Christianese." I just assume that without God's calling, His grace, His love in us and through us, and His faithfulness (which we rely on and lets us set aside any fear that might ordinarily creep in), we probably wouldn't choose to do any of this. Surely there are people who "hope to God" they are never "called" to this life or question why they were because of fears, inconveniences, and sacrifice, but for me I only wonder why He chose us to be so blessed. These babies are such precious gifts that make our lives so much fuller and brings us so much joy.
Alyssa is how her referral described: happy, calm, enjoys cuddling. Doesn't get much better than that!
She's a good eater. This tiny little girl can pack in some food and she's not incredibly picky either. The whole eating thing has been very easy.
She's on her way to being daytime potty trained. She probably already was by the orphanage standards. I think generally they keep the kids on a schedule. Here she has the oppurtunity to just go when she wants...and every 5 mins she wants! She also wants to get naked for the occassion lol so we spend a lot of time trying to stop her from taking her clothes off or redressing her :) She goes each time she sits on the little potty but its not always a full bladders worth...usually its not. So we need to work on having her "hold it" some. Perhaps at home she will hold it longer as she should be more occupied than she is here stuck in this hotel room with us. Have i mentioned it began snowing again!!
Michelle, such a cute kid, and I totally understand what you are saying. Some people don't get it, though. We have had people feel sorry for us for having a child with Down syndrome, but we aren't sorry and that is why we have adopted more children with Down syndrome. We also rejoice when our children learn quickly, but we are also just as happy with our children that have problems learning new skills. We are just happy that they have the chance to grow to their full potential in a family -- no matter how easy or hard things come to them.
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