My Little Green Thumbs

  
“I can do it myself!”  This is the current favorite phrase of my little Dragon.  She is now four and will be started preschool on Monday and if it had been her choice, she would be going to Kindergarten.  

We finally got her fitted with some much needed glasses after a complete failure at the school vision screening.  We had known since bringing her home that her vision had issues and was seeing a specialist every six months with hopes of her growing out of some of them.  No such luck.  Bright pink princess glasses were calling her name.  The next little issue to overcome, is a slight hearing impairment.  Her ears become compacted quickly, leaving her with very muffled hearing.  This time were are trying new drops to see if that might clear things up.

Overall, she is growing into a very bright, stubborn, inquisitive, little girl.  Eating well.  Sleeping so much better.  Unbelievably athletic in everything she tries…and growing up much to fast for this mamma!

Everyday when I see this smiling or not so smiling  face, I am so grateful that I stayed true to the course and never gave up on our unbelievable long adoption process.  When I share our story with others, they can’t believe what it all involved.  Yet, I know that there are many other families out there right now dealing with the same things.  They are still struggling with paperwork, wait time, and finding funds in order to complete their own dream.  I wish I could find them and tell them…Hang on!  You are almost there!  It will be worth everything you are sacrificing! 

So, I keep sharing, explaining, educating every chance I get.  

As I sit under a blanket, in front of a fire, on this very cold below zero day in Januaray, I look back on what has happened with my family this past year. These quiet moments are so rare and I do need to take this time to reflect on all the things that I should be so very thankful for. Honestly, an activity that I don’t do enough of. Being positive and joyful on a day to day basis can be somewhat of a challenge for me. Is it how I grew up, how I am made…who knows? My sour attitude needs readjustment every once in a while. I definitely need a kick in the butt to be reminded to open my eyes and see the big picture. What is happening in the world around me and the people who touch my life. Not only do I need to open my eyes, I need to adjust my focus.

So here it goes….

First off, everyone in the family has been in good health, suffering nothing worse than a sniffle here and there. Dragon is up to par on all her vaccinations, no longer needs physical therapy, and is working hard in speech. Hubby has had another good solid work year. Being able to provide us with everything we need and more. Being the always stable rock, the oh so fun Daddy, and calming influence over us all. Our beloved Opa, has not thrown up his hands in defeat while trying to help out with our insane after school schedules and the sometimes not so successful family meals. His help and stable presence in our house make things go so much smoother.

Ms. A is just a shinning star in her first venture in middle school. She surprised us by earning a spot on the school announcement team and then trying out for the school musical and being selected. She is pulling off rock star grades and managing her super busy schedule. Dance season is just around the corner and she is just living it up.

Mr.D is holding his own. Currently he is a brown belt in TKD and really trying his very best. In a few weeks he will be testing for his red belt holding his spot as one of the youngest in the class. Kindergarten may not be educational, but he is having fun. We are so happy that he is having such a great experience. He just learned to tie his shoes, can almost ski down the beginner hill independently, and his reading skills are growing before our very eyes.

Dragon has been here with us for a year. Yes, it’s has been a year! The fastest year that I have ever experienced. I look at her and I still can’t believe this little person is my daughter. She is a different child from the one that we brought home from China. She loves her big brother and sister. She cuddles and wants to be held. Although her words are not here yet, she manages to let her wants be known. She is a little champ at her gymnastic class and will be starting a preschool mommy and me class next week. Dragon is sporting bangs and a set of earrings and is the cutest thing around. She moved out of the crib to a big bed. (I cringe when I hear any bumps at night and cross my fingers that I will still find her in bed.). She insists on using a fork to eat, which does pose some problems and finally has decided to drink from a sippy cup.

I am trying to stay calm with the children. I am trying to balance an insane after school schedule. I am trying to maintain the house at an exceptable level, letting things slide and not getting OCD about it. I am trying to get out and interact with people. I am trying to workout at least 30 minutes each day. I am trying….

I am trying to be a good mom. A good wife. A good daughter. A good friend.

Sometime I succeed and sometimes not so much. I just need to make a point of sitting back and letting it all in. I need to live in the moment and not look for the next….OK…I have adjusted my focus, stated all my thanks, and am ready to start this day in the positive.

Enjoy the pictures…they are growing up so fast.

It’s been almost a year since Dragon has joined our family. I can’t believe how the time has been flying by. December 26th of last year, we were on a plane to China and just a few days after that she was in our arms. We waited seven years for that moment and for that little baby and I still can’t believe some days that she is here.

Now, Hubby and I have come to the realization that she will be the last baby of the family. A very difficult decision that would have been different if the wait had not been so long. As “older” parents, we are soaking up every precious baby moment with her. Just this past week she moved out of her crib into a “big girl” bed. I was so excited for this big moment. So proud of her milestone, yet only when I was breaking apart the crib did it really hit me. With a heavy heart I realized this was the last time for this crib. There are no more to follow. It was a door closing on the baby stage in our lives as parents. Although I want my children to grow up, to accomplish new things, to reach milestones in their lives…. I want to just pause this one for a bit….I want to see her toddle around the house talking gibberish…

Instead, she is now jumping, climbing, and running through the house. She is standing in front of the fridge demanding a drink. She is inserting her opinion…she is growing up. Our little Dragon is no longer a baby. We have a little person with a Dragon Spirit growing up right before our eyes!

Dragon getting ready to celebrate her first Christmas with us!

The first photo taken of Dragon on our Gotcha Day.

What a difference a year makes. Sending our Holiday Wishes to you and a Happy New Year!

It has been called to my attention that I have been neglecting my blog. At one point I was posting every few days and was fearful that I might be overdoing it. Now, I have seem to gone in the opposite direction. The best way to rectify the lapse is to review what’s on the phone and get everyone up to speed.

Fall has finally arrived and we are enjoying the cooler weather and beautiful foliage. I even was able to get all three kids in a photo shoot outside with a professional photographer. This was the first time for Dragon and overall she managed. I won’t see the results for a few weeks, so cross my fingers that there is one shot among the hundreds taken that is Christmas card worthy.

We had a great Halloween. Dragon got right into the spirit of things and loved being in the middle of the chaos of trick or treating. Hubby borrowed the neighbors tractor and wagon and all the kids loaded up and went door to door. I did manage to get half of the candy collected out of the house by the next day. The kids thoughtful sorted out what their favorite sweets were and donated the rest!

Dragon has been going full force in her therapy sessions. The OT is working on her swallowing and chewing. Trying new foods with textures and working on drinking better from a sippy cup.

Her gymnastic class is always something to look forward to and she is now following the routine of the class with little prompting.

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Lastly, we had the opportunity to watch our local university football team as guest in a suite. I am not a great fan of football. Much less, sitting in the cold with small children. However, you can put me in a suite any day! Buffet and a fridge full of drinks. Beautiful heated indoor seating behind a glass window. A clean bathroom located just across the hall and a lounge area for the kids to run around in.

With some luck, I will get back to some thoughtfully written post that occur on a more timely schedule.