So... the plan was that we'd meet our family at Brayden's last swim meet but Hayleigh and Taylor (and i think maybe gma V.) couldn't wait - so, they too met us at the airport. It was so sweet to see Hayleigh FINALLY meet her LONG AWAITED sister - although she had just woken up from a nap in the car and was a bit overhwelmed and a little shy. We headed over to the meet - we had thought that Maylynn was going to have a fit getting into the carseat but she pleasantly surprised us with just a little "delayed" complaining:) As soon as we got to the meet, we snuck up on Brayden - he was happy to see us but a little embarassed by all of my hugging and kissing in front of his friends;) We then sat down with gpa v. to wait for Brayden's events - it wasn't long before Hayleigh wanted to go swing - there were 2 little swings just waiting for them - She quickly took Maylynn's hand and they were off - it was such a precious sight. They played almost the entire time together - just getting to know each other - it was so heart warming to see:) Maylynn also instantly accepted Taylor too - she quickly jumped into his lap! soo cute! I could see in Taylor's face that he too was pleased:) After the meet we grabbed some Little Ceasar's pizza (ohh - that pizza has never tasted soo good -yum!) we also had to make a pit stop at McD's for a few little gems:) We came home to a beautifully clean house!! It was so wonderful and i know that gma & pa V. and the kids worked really hard! The kids were eager to see what we had bought for them in China - then they had fun getting to know thier new sister. They really enjoyed hearing her sing her little songs etc...
Maylynn has done a MUCH better job adjusting and accepting the fact that she is not going to be living in Lance's arms. She does prefer the boys in the family but she is slowly warming up to me. I have been in charge of ALL of the care giving for her (and Hayleigh) Actually, it has been very helpful having H. show Maylynn that there is nothing to cry about while taking a bath, getting dressed, brushing hair, teeth and going potty - Maylynn actually understands now that this is a part of life and is accepting it. Our first night was alittle rough - M. woke up around 1:30 and cried and cried (i think for Lance) but he wasn't going to be coming - soon H. woke up and i told her to go get in bed with daddy -she quickly took me up on that but M. was a little more ticked that she was stuck with only ME! She had alittle fit for about 1-2hrs. (my touches or voice only made it worse - so i just rolled over and pretended to sleep - it worked!) I stayed with her until morning - i didn't want her to wake up again and be frightened with no one there. Last night went much better - both of the girls skipped their naps for the day and was asleep as soon as their heads hit the pillow! and they didn't wake until morning - woohoo! I am praying that is the case for tonight -so far so good = 2 girls asleep:) Also, the past 2 nights i've had both girls in my lap for books - M. loves books - she just sits so good and listens - it amazes me b/c how can she understand a word i'm saying? - i'm hoping she is soaking all of the language in.
Tonight (Aug.8) we went to the neighborhood park and the girls had fun playing on the slides - well, we started a thing where when they went by they'd give me five, the next time it was 10 and the next time H. gave me 10 and a hug and M. quickly followed -it was so sweet - i just soaked it in - it was actually the very first time that SHE came to ME and gave me a hug and a little sweet pat on the back - she did it 3 times! I'll never forget this day:)
She is doing so much better but we are being very careful about who offers to hold her. We won't be putting her in the church nursery for a few months, or leaving her with a sitter - we really want her to understand that we are her main caregivers and the people that she needs to attach too. So, please don't be offended by us requesting people to not to offer to hold her - there will be a time but not yet:) The boys are loving her to death too and love to hold her and she'd prefer that they'd hold her instead of me but they have been so understanding to not hold their arms out to her when i am holding her. They have had plenty of opportunities to sit with her or carry her around though - H. too! although the "big sister" novelty is slowly wearing off and while they have a great time playing together there are times when M. just wants H. to leave her alone. And there are times when H. has a bit of jealousy - H. also has been extra sensitive so, i've been smothering her with hugs and kisses!! (Lance has too) Actually, the boys have been great in including H. in their playing with M - they are the best big brothers. I am just so amazed at them! Honestly, they really weren't too keen on the idea of adopting again but their hearts have QUICKLY changed! They love M. so much and Brayden even asked us yesterday if we could adopt again - our answer to that was "our table is full :)"
Maylynn has definately made a difference at our house and each day is getting better.
Also, i really want to thank EVERYONE for their prayers, words of encouragement and kind gestures through out our journey. Adoption is not as easy thing - as you have read there are good times and bad times - i hope that i've been "real"enough to convey that. Even though we recieved our daughter 2 weeks ago - i have been in a deep valley and am so grateful for the prayers and scripture that has been shown to me - i really feel that He has been reaching His hand down to me and slowly - day by day - drawing me closer to Him and pulling me out of that valley again. Thank you so much Jesus - you are my rock.
This Adoption journey is now over but the story continues as a family - "The Vickerman Family Happenings" blog will be taking over. I will be occasionally posting to this website if something only applies to Maylynn and her adoption or adjustment. Thanks for following!
Oh - i almost forgot! I can finally share her "confidential" details now that the adoption is final!
Chinese name: You Ru Shui ( i think it (Ru Shui) means peaceful water) You is her surname/last name
Born: April 17, 2007
Found on May 24, 2007 and placed in the Guilin SWI on May 26th, 2007
Placed in foster care on July 25, 2007
Repaired cleft palate surgery in April 2008
Guilin Time
Summer fun
8 years ago
4 comments:
That is interesting her palate surgery was May April 08. That was when Ty had his cleft lip surgery. We got a great update on him, and some not so clear info. I am so glad that you are home and doing well. H sounds like a great big sister, and what sweet boys you must have! We leave Tuesday to the airport!
Such a wonderful post! So happy to read how Hailey and Maylynn are interracting! I know you're feeling more at peace and you are soaking in the sight of your beautiful daughters playing and sharing mommy time. Yeah!!
Congratulations! You are doing great! I remember Moli studying Grace (our older daughter) to see what was appropriate for bathing, teethbrushing, etc. It was a comfort for her to know Grace had "survived" our care too. Once we arrived home, I was it for meeting basic needs and for book time. Moli would throw fits for Jamie to do the reading and bedtime but we held firm. Now it is one of our favorite times of the day. I can remember those long sad nights of pretending to be asleep. But they will be a blur in no time. In just a few short months you won't believe the change. Those Guilin girls have a strong spirit- which is hard at first but makes them so resilient! All those folks who say Hunan girls are spicy obviously have never met a Guilin girl. :)
What a wild ride you guys have been on and I'm so glad you guys are home and getting settled;) It sounds like everyone is finding their new places in the family and doing it with some what of ease. Congratulations!
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