Our First Night (5/24/08) - A looking so sad and full of grief:
Typical "A" of Today - my joyful girl:
It is so amazing to me that a whole year has passed since first meeting my little munchkin. When I think about all the changes she has made in this year, I am really blown away. Here's a rundown of some of those things:
* When I first met A at almost 25 months she weighed 20# and was 32.75 inches and is now 28# and 36.75 inches.
* She would only sleep on top of me, eventually next to me, but had to be making physical contact, and now I can just kiss her goodnight, after our bedtime ritual, and leave the room.
* In China I had to buy bottles with nipples (even though she was using sippy cups in the orphanage) because she refused to suck. She would chew on the nipples to get fluid out. Now she drinks from a cup like a big girl.
* She threw things at meals to the point that people in my travel group were afraid to sit across the table from her. She now has fairly good table manners.
* When I first met A she drooled so much that her shirt would be soaked most of the time. She wore a bib in China all the time and for months once we were home. Now she only drools on occasion, as she has strengthened her mouth muscles by talking.
* In the beginning, A wanted to be held ALL THE TIME (a true velcro girl), and now only wants to be carried when she is just waking up, wants to snuggle, is crabby or when my hands are full. We were at a Bat Mitzvah a few weeks ago and she left me to go dance with all the teenagers.
* For a long while A would only connect with me and would tune out other people in her presence. Now she runs up to people she loves and hugs them and plays with them with gusto.
* While she appeared calm on the outside, A would vomit when she became overwhelmed. She has not vomited (except for with the flu) in 7 months.
* A was not talking at all when I met her (English or Mandarin) and used grunting and pointing as her main means of communication. Now she has over 100 words and is pretty effective in letting me know what she needs.
* For several months A would not cry when she got hurt, now she has become quite the drama queen needing kisses for even a hangnail. She is also known to present a spot where she got a shot or had a boo boo months ago, looking for a bit of sympathy.
* She used to do all she could to make her world very small because new things and open spaces overwhelmed her, now A notices everything around her (even things I don't see) and loves to explore.
* In the beginning had no opinion about anything and now voices her thoughts about EVERYTHING.
* Was terrified of the bath at first, and now can't get her out.
* Was afraid of the snow, grass, and anything that moved under her feet. Now she runs and plays without paying attention to any of it.
* In the beginning A was not attached to anything. Couldn't tolerate anything in her crib and was afraid of stuffed animals. Now, each night, we must layer her two favorite blankets on top of her and place her beloved stuffed frogs on each side before her final good night kiss. If she comes to my bed in the middle of the night, all those things come with.
I'm sure there are so many more things, but this is what comes to mind today. Sometimes when I get frustrated that she doesn't talk more or gets a little more clingy than I'd like, I have to step back and see just how far A has come this year.
I am grateful beyond words for the gift of this little soul.
13 comments:
I remember thinking about you last year and wondering. So happy for you.
Congratulations on your 1 year anniversary! She truly has blossomed with you as her Mommy. It just proves just how much love can overcome.
That is wonderful! What a difference love and time make!
Congratulations on your 1 year celebration! What a transition A has made! I can't believe it's been a year already...
Thank you for this post. It's good to read the then and now, especially as we're close to halfway through our first year. Moreover, thank you for letting us follow along. I'm honored to be witnessing both your daughter grow-up and you two, growing together. With big kisses to you two....xxxxooo
Wow M,
Things have come a long way for sweet A. Congratulations on 1 year together.
much love
What an amazing little girl! So much wonderful growth :) Just as amazing is her incredible momma. A did the growing, but you did just as much hard work providing and building and creating the warm, nurturing, safe, loving environment in which she could grow so much. I am so proud of both of you!!!!!!!!
Lots of love!
I remember sitting right here at the campground, drinking in every word of your first posts from China. The picture of you two on the couch brought me to tears then, as it does now. I'm sure I've ever seen a photo that speaks as much as that one does. Congrats on your first year, and here's to another amazing year of growth, bonding, and love.
xoxo
Amazing what a year can do!!
I can't believe it! Happy one year anniversary! A's progress is absolutely beautiful to read about :)
Happy 1 year referral anniversary. It sounds like A is doing so great. It brought back memories when I read what your baby girl was doing a year ago. I remember in China I did not bring the right kind of bibs with plastic on the back and cloth on the front and Sofia drooled so much too. She also wore a bid for the longest time. It's funny, you kind of forget those things and then I read your post and was shaking my head in agreement with so many things you said. Hope your day was wonderful my friend. What a true blessing your beautiful baby girl is. You are a lucky mama and she is a lucky daughter. :)
Hugs,
Jonni
Happy First Family Day!! What a wonderful life together you've formed. I love reading your updates and wish they were more frequent (hint).
a little late visiting.
As always M1, so eloquently written
Congratulations on one year. a little teary after reading this.
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