Home 2 months

We have been home 2 months on the 28th of this month. I know to some of you that sounds like a long time, but in all honesty...it really hasn't been that long. I say that because when you bring a newly adopted child into your home/family you measure things in "baby steps". The adjustment, the transition, the new schedule all take time. And I don't mean a few weeks or months... we are talking many, many months! Most days bring progress, but then it could be 2 steps forward and one step back.
Take for instance...
I went back to work at the beginning of March working every other weekend at the After-hours Pediatric Clinic. On the weekends that I work, both Abbey AND Madeline are so much more "clingy and needy" when I get home and even a few days after the weekend. It is really obvious that my absence sets off a chain reaction around here. I know in time Abbey will understand that each time Mommy leaves... she always comes back. For Madeline it will take an effort on my part to spend some one-on-one time with her to reassure her of her special place in my heart.
So the process of adjusting, reassuring, talking, sharing, discipline, listening, and loving is an on-going
task in our home. Some days are easier than others and some days are down-right tough. I remind myself that "this too will pass" and look how far we have come in this short amount of time. I pray A LOT! For patience, energy, understanding and strength.
So yes, I am thankful for our "baby steps" and know each one is special. I am also very thankful that one of our "baby steps" includes Abbey sleeping through the night!

Bubbles!

I love my sweet girls! I am so blessed to be their Mom.

Abbey's 1st Hand Surgery

Back at home after surgery and ready for a snack

Feeling "loopy" prior to surgery

Abbey had surgery yesterday, March 17.

For those of you who do not know, Abbey was born with Amniotic Banding Syndrome. Amniotic Banding Syndrome (ABS) occurs when fetal parts (usually a limb or digit) become entangled in fibrous string-like amniotic bands in the womb. Think of a rubber-band left on your wrist or finger too long and the indentation that it leaves when you remove it... and you'll get the idea! These bands restrict the growth of the body part it surrounds. In some cases, the band is so tightly wound that it causes amputation. In Abbey's case, the bands were wrapped around her right hand and right foot. The bands also affected several toes on her left foot.

When we received the referral for Abbey back in September 2010, we were able to see pictures of her right hand and foot. Mike and I looked at each other and said "OK, this is doable" We knew she was our daughter and knew we could manage this special need. Of course, we did lots of research and consulted doctors at UAB and a local doctor that specializes in hand surgery. We knew surgery would be required to correct her hand for cosmetic and functional reasons.

So fast forward to March 2011, we met with Dr. Jabaley, our local hand surgeon, to discuss our options. It was decided surgery would be performed to release the banding on all 5 fingers of her right hand and also correct several toes on both feet.

Abbey did GREAT with the surgery! Her right arm is now wrapped up with a soft cast-like material. She pulls at it and tries to get it off... no can do. We had a rough time last night. She could not get comfortable and I know she was hurting. Thank goodness for Tylenol with Codeine! Today has been better. She is so tough and has managed to do just fine using her left hand for everything!!

Including jabbing, pinching and hitting us with it! Oh.... now to get through the next 3 weeks without getting it wet. Yeah, right~

Spring has Sprung!

Well, it looks like spring is officially here. Everything is blooming and beautiful! I snapped these pictures before church yesterday of Madeline, Matthew and Abbey. Madeline is standing in front of our Japanese Magnolia. It is so pretty this time of year. Of course, the pollen is going to become intolerable in just a few weeks. So far, the rainshowers have kept it under control.

Enjoy the pics and Happy Spring!

18 Months Old

Abbey is 18 months old today. I really can't believe how fast time is going since we have been home. I have missed so many of her "1st's" up until now! But we definitely haven't missed out on her ever-expanding vocabulary! Here are a few of her 1st words:
Da-da
Ma-Ma (she said this and knew Ma-Ma on Feb. 11)
baaa (ball)
Maaaa (she yells this for Matt and Madeline, whoever is closest to answer her)
bye-bye
nigh-nigh (so sweet when she says this and gives me a kiss)
gone-gone (says this when she hands me her empty bottle)

I can't wait to hear her say "wuv uuu". My heart will melt... again.

Why God Made Moms

Why God Made Moms

Letter to Abbey

My sweet Abbey,

I am so in love with you. I find myself staring at your face after you have fallen asleep on my lap once again. I love it when you snuggle up and put your head on my shoulder and fall asleep, too. To me... that is one of the most wonderful things on this earth.... a little slice of heaven.

I study your face and notice the corners of your mouth turn down when you sleep. You are so peaceful and yes, even... still.

But not for long... during the day you are busy, busy, busy! You follow me around and watch everything I do with such interest. You even know which buttons to push on the washing machine and the microwave...ha! You are also what many would consider a "strong-willed child". You remind me a lot of Cody when he was little. You hate to be told "NO". But guess what, sweetie, you will hear it many times and many times you will not like it! Ma-Maw simply says you are a "pistol". I would have to agree.

I know your stubbornness and strong-will have served you well. You are a fighter... I can see that. I often think of your birth mother and wonder if you have her personality. Was she a woman of strong opinion and strength? Did she light up a room with her smile and determined personality? I can't help but think she did. I am so indebted to this woman for bringing you into the world.

I love you so much Abbey. You and I grow closer each day. I am so blessed that God made me your forever mommy.