First Meeting - Oct. 12, 2009
October, 2010
Sept., 2010
Best FriendsYes it has been an entire year(and one day) since Haiyang became part of our family. It is hard to believe that this time last year we were just beginning to get to know each other. It is amazing what she has accomplished in 12 months. There was so much for her, and us, to learn. It is unbelievable what she has absorbed in such a short time. Her use and understanding of English is very near other 4 year olds. Her speech is coming along nicely with the help of Miss Melissa and speech therapy 2x's a week, and will only improve more once she has surgery in January. She has normal eating habits even if she does have an enormous, sweet tooth, food was such an issue this time last year -it drove me crazy. And I never thought I was going to get to say this, but her over all behavior is so much better. She is still pretty stubborn and is always testing but she wants to be a good girl most of the time, she will even say, "I might be good" especially on Sunday mornings, it makes me laugh because even she knows it is hard for her to be good. She really wants to please me but her sisters, now that is another story, she will annoy them to no end and takes great pleasure in doing so. Pretty normal sibling/4year old behavior, don't you think? The girls all adore one another in different ways and the last year has helped them all find their place in our family.
Socially Haiyang is doing great, she makes friend easily and gets along well with the kids in pre-school. She has a BFF, Marina our little neighbor, they will play for hours on end and never tire of each other. They are absolutely adorable together and so incredibly funny, listening to them talk is hysterical. They are not in the same pre-school but are doing Story Time at the Library together. HY is also making friends in school and has a couple girls she is particularly fond of. This time last year she was a bit aggressive and rough when playing but time taught her that wasn't necessary to get attention. She is still less than graceful and hugs harder than most but that is just her way, we all know to brace ourselves when she charges our way and when you do get that unsolicited hug - no words to describe it, she puts all her love into it.
Nothing I read or anything anyone told us, prepared us for adding a toddler to the family. It has been terrifying, exhausting, frustrating and a bit overwhelming but it has also been exciting, rewarding, heartwarming, fun and full filling. I don't think any of us could imagine our family without Haiyang and I am pretty certain she feels the same way. Often when she is falling asleep she will say, "I love my Mom, I love my Dad, I love my Sisters, I love my dogs and I love my house... I love my family" - that makes the hard part all worth it.
Happy Forever Family Day Haiyang!!!
