We have been home a little over 4 weeks now, things are going well, still some adjusting to do on every one's part but we are getting there. The first few weeks home were a bit rough at times but we all survived. Haiyang seems to be learning how to live in a regular home and most definitely enjoys having a family. Her and Lucie simply adore one another, her and Tessie... well they are working on it. I have found that when it is only Haiyang and Tessie in the house they get along much better. I supposed Lucie comes with a little too much competition for both girls, Tessie wanting to be the "big sister" and Haiyang wanting Lucie's attention. Haiyang also knows that it is very easy to get a rise out of Tessie and takes every opportunity to do so. Now there are times when then all 3 play together just wonderfully and I thoroughly enjoy those moments.

Haiyang is a true little sister, she has started to copy everything the girls do from tumbling, to wearing the same type clothes, to using the same cups and utensils, it can really be a pain when I have to produce 3 of the same item, and she will not settle for anything less, there have been nights I would take pajamas out of the laundry so they could all have a nightgown rather than pjs. She is very strong willed, which will probably serve her well later in life, for now it is just driving me mad.

The tantrums are much less, I think now that we are communicating better she is less frustrated, and she is also realizing that as strong willed as she is, I can be more. If I say no, I mean it!!! I am really trying to be consistent with her so she can learn how we do things, a little annoying for Lucie and Tessie because some of the things they used to be allowed to do I have had to stop. Like snacks & drinks in the family room, it was too confusing for her why sometimes you are allowed to eat in the family room and other times you have to sit at the table. And not being able to stay up late on weekends isn't fun for the girls either, if I can get Haiyang sleeping then the girls can sneak back down to watch TV or whatever. I am not the most disciplined person so this has been a real lesson for me too.

Haiyang has a super cute personality when she isn't mad about something. She loves to get a laugh, that's a Steinmetz thing, she seems to be very bright too so I think she'll catch on to the language quickly. She is already putting 2 word together and says something new almost every day. She loves anything Dora, not to watch but anything with Dora on it, she won't even let anyone else us the Dora plate we have, fine with Lucie and Tessie they let go of Dora a long time ago. She isn't much for TV but loves to watch Tom and Jerry. She is eating a little more normal now and loves bologna, she can even say bologna. She like playing babies and loves to play with our little neighbor Marina, they do very well together even with the lack of language. Marina is an absolutely, adorable, little girl and she will tell me every time Haiyang says something in English, I think she wants to take credit if she says anything new, very cute.

All in all things are going well most of the time. I will be honest, this it is much harder than I expected yet it seems to get a little easier every day.

I so appreciate all the cards, gifts and phone calls, our family has been blessed with amazing people to love and care about our family. Thank you!!!!!

We wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!!!