Sofia has, so far, been the easiest to adjust to her new life (as compared to our other girls). It seems like she just slipped right into place and has been here all along! The only time I remember she hasn't been is when I attempt to take all 3 of them anywhere LOL! Then, I realize 3 is way more than 2 HAHA.
Sofia is such a rock star...so wild and full of energy and wakes up most days ready to hit the ground running 110 miles per hour. As we get to know her better, I've been noticing more quiet times, more observation on her part, and more insecurities that I can't wait for the love of our family to heal for her. She is learning how to seek comfort, she is learning she is worthy, but she doesn't fully believe it yet. I've seen her look at me as I hold Mila and kiss on her and snuggle and comfort her....the look in her eyes seems to say, "That looks like so much fun but I'm not sure I'm worthy" and THAT breaks my heart. I don't know how her eyes alone convey that message to me, but they do. In those moments I pick her up and love on her just the same. I snuggle her and smile at her and try to convey to her that she is worthy of love. So much healing left to do. With Sofia, it's harder to remember that she needs to be treated like a newborn emotionally....she IS so resilient...everyone that meets her comments on her strength and the fact that they can't believe she has only been home a month and comments on how well she is doing. So it's hard to remember that, although she IS so very resilient, we're just starting to peel back the layers and finding her buried little soft spots. Now that she is starting to feel safer with us, we are starting to see the fragile little babe under the shield of her BIG personality.
She has gained 4 pounds in 4 weeks! She looks great on the growth charts!! She is growing well and thriving! I'm working on a post about weight gain and nutrition in malnourished and post-orphanage children as I've had so many awesome mamas inquiring about what we do with our girls nutritionally! She has been fighting on and off fevers and we're not sure what those are all about. She had an appointment with a fill in doctor in town and that went terribly wrong for so many reasons. All I will say is that I had been questioning bonding on my part with Sofia and clearly that appointment indicated that I have nothing to worry about in that department. My love for her is fierce and growing and I would lay my life down for hers in a heartbeat.
She went to Children's Hospital yesterday to the Down Syndrome Clinic and to the International Adoption Clinic and had a TON (8 vials) of blood drawn...they ran the typical international adoption bloodwork as well as the typical Down Syndrome bloodwork. The doctors yesterday did hear a small murmur and we're following up with a ped cardiology appointment on Tuesday so prayers would be appreciated there. We're hoping and praying it is just a small issue that will not require any type of intervention. She's clearly thriving physically so I was surprised when they said they heard the murmur and would be really surprised if it was a serious issue, but none the less, my heart still sank and my mind has been wandering that way all day.
Sofia is such a rock star...so wild and full of energy and wakes up most days ready to hit the ground running 110 miles per hour. As we get to know her better, I've been noticing more quiet times, more observation on her part, and more insecurities that I can't wait for the love of our family to heal for her. She is learning how to seek comfort, she is learning she is worthy, but she doesn't fully believe it yet. I've seen her look at me as I hold Mila and kiss on her and snuggle and comfort her....the look in her eyes seems to say, "That looks like so much fun but I'm not sure I'm worthy" and THAT breaks my heart. I don't know how her eyes alone convey that message to me, but they do. In those moments I pick her up and love on her just the same. I snuggle her and smile at her and try to convey to her that she is worthy of love. So much healing left to do. With Sofia, it's harder to remember that she needs to be treated like a newborn emotionally....she IS so resilient...everyone that meets her comments on her strength and the fact that they can't believe she has only been home a month and comments on how well she is doing. So it's hard to remember that, although she IS so very resilient, we're just starting to peel back the layers and finding her buried little soft spots. Now that she is starting to feel safer with us, we are starting to see the fragile little babe under the shield of her BIG personality.
She went to Children's Hospital yesterday to the Down Syndrome Clinic and to the International Adoption Clinic and had a TON (8 vials) of blood drawn...they ran the typical international adoption bloodwork as well as the typical Down Syndrome bloodwork. The doctors yesterday did hear a small murmur and we're following up with a ped cardiology appointment on Tuesday so prayers would be appreciated there. We're hoping and praying it is just a small issue that will not require any type of intervention. She's clearly thriving physically so I was surprised when they said they heard the murmur and would be really surprised if it was a serious issue, but none the less, my heart still sank and my mind has been wandering that way all day.
We are truly blessed having Sofia here with us! So thankful God created her with us in mind :)
Such a JOYful little beauty!!!! Prayers that there is nothing that comes as a surprise from all of her bloodwork and exams. Of course there is not a single thing that would be a surprise to the One who created your sweetie! He will provide all that you need! Still, asking that she be as strong and healthy as she appears!! Love your little rock star!! (((BIG HUGS)))!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your encouraging words, Anne!
DeleteShe is precious!! Love the update and that she is settling in so well! Prayers for your cardiology appointment and for a cause to be found for her fevers :( But so happy that all is going well and to see her happy face :) I look often, and it gives me hope that our "Fiona" will be with us soon!!!
ReplyDeleteSo exciting! Can't wait until she is home!
DeleteWhat a blessing! She is so precious!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you're just lucky and get a picture of her every time she smiles or if she really just smiles that much. :) Y'all named her right, because what an amazing gift from God to have that much joy! Prayers will be said for all her tests to come back normal and for the cause of her fever to be found so that it can be taken care of and she can go right on happily fitting in and learning about love.
ReplyDeleteShe really DOES SMILE A LOT! Not always, she surely has sad/frustrated/hurt moments as well, but her general disposition is smiley :)
DeletePraying for little Sofia. How do you manage with 3 girls when you get out of home?. Kisses, Maria :)
ReplyDeleteWe just purchased a double stroller that has a 3rd add on toddler seat!! But yes it's hard with 3 kids 4 and under all needing 5 point harness carseats...just getting in and out of the car is a lot of work! I can't wait until the weather warms up, then we can walk to and from school to drop off and pick Zoya up! Loading and unloading in and out of the car is a WORKOUT! Zoya is getting more independent and can get in the vehicle herself, and buckle the top of her harness and as she gets older she'll get more and more independent as will the babies! But yes, for now, it's tricky!
DeleteThanks for answering Sarah. I prayed a for little Sofia when you were in her country as I also did with Mila.
DeleteI just love reading your updates! So much hope! Your girls are are beautiful!!!! Praying for her heart!!
ReplyDeleteSo many people have heart murmurs so I'm hoping and praying and believing hers is also just a normal, non-threatening one!
ReplyDeleteAwwww Sarah, try not to worry yet about her heart. Easier said than done, I know. She's just lovely. Will keep you all in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteHi Sarah, Yes, two cildren are easier than three, with two, each parent gets to keep track of one but with three there is always one "loose". My parents can attest to that, I was # 3, while staying at a rustic cabin, with no running water, my parents were getting all 3 of us ready for a wedding. Well, I was the loose one and I stood on the table and got my hair caught in flypaper. A sticky situation to say the least. You and Shawn are doing such a wonderful job with your girls. I have had a heart murmur all my life and it hasn't hindered me in anyway. Sometimes it is more audible than others.
ReplyDeleteWe are all awaiting to hear what the cardiologist tells you.Carol