This morning was a tough visit, as you'll probably pick up on in the few morning pictures below. We only took a couple because we weren't feeling too cheery, but remembered it's important to document every part of this journey...happy and sad. Too much sadness and crying for all 3 of us to take this morning. Our babe is very sensitive to the feelings of others, just like our other girls. She can sense when others are upset....and meal times are really hard for her as most of the other babies scream and cry to be fed, and then fight to eat because they don't do well eating solids. She eats well but meals are a VERY stressful time in her groupa. She grips her chair until her knuckles are white and cries between bites. She is very hyper-vigilant during meal times looking all around, worried about the other children. I can't blame her. I leave shaking every time. I think when we get home I will hold her in my lap to feed her for a while to try and show her that meal time is pleasurable and to try and build some trust with her. Thankful that we were able to give our sweet girl some respite and love this morning. It gets harder and harder each time to take her back. This evening's visit went much better, probably thanks to the prayers many of you sent up!
Soon sweet angel, meal times will be full of love.
She just wasn't quite herself this morning :( It was rough to see her so scared and sad. But I am praising God we were there to comfort her.
Tonight her spirit was back! Praise God!
Playing the "sneaking" game where we sneak up on her and tickle her :)
She started giving kisses on her own tonight! She kept leaning in on both of us with big open mouth kisses. It's exactly what my heart needed. Her heart is already beginning to heal!
One of my favorite ever pictures :)
Asking Mama to pick her up <3
Mama kisses are the best!
I must kiss her cheekies and neck a hundred times per visit!
Goldilocks!
And our night ended with some fireworks, just because :)
So sorry that the three of you had such an emotional morning, but glad things were better tonight. Your idea of holding her at mealtime sounds good, but maybe when she gets home she will see and feel all the love you and her sisters have to offer her that she will feel comfortable and safe sitting by herself and enjoy eating.I imagine you are getting ansty awaiting your court date but keep in find once she is yours you can concentrate on your daughter and not the other distractions that you see daily during your visits. We are all praying for you and know you will have the strenght to get through the process.The outcome will be well worth it. Carol
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness...my heart aches seeing your little princess soooo sad and agitated during her mealtimes!! I'm soooo GLAD however, that her mama and daddy were there to comfort her. She looked so worried. I like your idea Sarah of holding her in your lap when you feed her--almost like a newborn but emotionally that is probably just what she needs and your instincts seem to always be spot on! That first photo of Shawn holding her (in this post)--I don't think I've EVER seen him look so sad and serious. It is clear both of you had a rough go of it today! Praying for you all--and your sweet ones at home also. I'm glad "Curlie Girlie's" sweet spirit is sooo resilient and she bounced back later!
ReplyDeleteYes, all of our girls were at newborn stage emotionally when we met them....we regressed all of them in various ways and I think it's necessary to allow them to go through those stages even if they're much older!
DeleteShe is beautiful! I CANNOT wait to see her with Zoya and Mila!
ReplyDeleteSTOP IT SHE IS TOO CUTE. Seriously, you're killing me. Even her very pathetic sad face is cute.
ReplyDeleteshe has simply got to be one of the most beautiful girls i have ever ever ever seen! I am so happy the second visit was better and so thankful you are there for her! praying you a good day tomorrow xxx
ReplyDeletewhat happened about your court date? xxx
ReplyDeleteLove her!!
ReplyDeleteMaybe she didn't like her clothes. ;)
LOL, this is quite possible ;)
DeleteIn the picture with the caption "One of my favorite ever pictures :) " she reminds me SO MUCH of Mila!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a peanut :)
There is a lot about her that reminds me of Mila, and just as much that reminds me of Zoya!
DeleteHi, Sarah. I tried emailing you but it was immediately sent back. I would love to be able to connect with you about your experience with adoption and special needs.
ReplyDeleteKori
Hmm not sure why, I've been getting other emails just fine?
DeleteIt said error. Here is the email. :) I would love to connect with you.
ReplyDeleteWow! You have an amazing spirit. I have been visiting Reece's Rainbow for a while now hoping to one day be able to open my arms to a child. I have always felt a calling to adopt, but waiting on God's timing. In the meantime, I am trying to best prepare myself by meeting other families who have already gone through the process. Seeing that you have walked through this 3 times not only brings joy to my heart but also makes you a resourceful person.
My desire is to adopt a young child with special needs. I have a 3 year old daughter who loves interacting with other children and like all children has specific needs of her own (dietary, behavioral and emotional). I want to be certain that when I consider adoption I consider her needs as well and how both children will relate/interact with each other. As a therapist and elementary/early childhood educator I have had experience with lots of children and I have decided that a child with Down's Syndrome (or similar attributes such as heart defect, visual/auditory impairment, etc) would be the best match for our family. I would love to learn more about your experience with adoption and special needs.
Trusting His amazing grace,
Kori