Tuesday, November 24, 2009
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!!!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
We have been home a little over a week and things are going well, most of the time, it is a big adjustment for everyone. HaiYang is understanding more each day which makes things a bit easier. She is sleeping in her own bed and usually only needs us to come in one or two times, can't complain about that. She has a really cute personality and loves to get a laugh, she is always making silly faces trying to get us to laugh at her. She also has some pretty great dance moves. She is very independent, not always such a good thing, she is into everything thing!!!!!! I had to hide as much food as I was able to and get the rest on high shelves in the fridge and pantry. If I am not watching she'll suck down juice boxes one after another, they had to go out in the garage. Maybe she isn't used to being able to eat any time of the day, I am trying to let her have snacks when she asks but keep them small, I am hoping the novelty of having so much available will wear off.
Yes we took her out for Halloween! No I didn't plan on it, I thought it would be too much but L & T were getting costumes on and she stripped down and grabbed the Minnie dress to put on. She really likes girly things so the dress was right up her ally. She did pretty well going door to door, and was thrilled to be receiving candy at each house. We went with the neighbors and all the girls had a great time running together. HaiYang had a little jealousy issue with Dave carrying our little neighbor, hopefully she'll get over that too, she is pretty possessive of everything.
She is saying a few more words... more, thank you, please, pumpkin, NO, milk and she remembers every ones names which is great. She still speaks to me in Chinese but I think she knows I don't know what she is saying because she is usually grinning, probably saying something she shouldn't, haha. She will also go on and on in Chinese to the play phone, it cracks me up. I feel so bad that she has so much to say and we can't understand her.
She is happy much of the time but still gets very angry when she doesn't get her way, although her tantrums don't last as long and they are not as loud. And she can really tear through the house, wow our house hasn't looked like this in years, haha, I tried to clean up but she is pulling something else out at the same time. I guess I forgot how busy toddlers are.
On that note I need to get back to the busy toddler, although Matthew is home sick so I have a little help with entertainment today, she adores both Matthew and Olivia!!!
Yes we took her out for Halloween! No I didn't plan on it, I thought it would be too much but L & T were getting costumes on and she stripped down and grabbed the Minnie dress to put on. She really likes girly things so the dress was right up her ally. She did pretty well going door to door, and was thrilled to be receiving candy at each house. We went with the neighbors and all the girls had a great time running together. HaiYang had a little jealousy issue with Dave carrying our little neighbor, hopefully she'll get over that too, she is pretty possessive of everything.
She is saying a few more words... more, thank you, please, pumpkin, NO, milk and she remembers every ones names which is great. She still speaks to me in Chinese but I think she knows I don't know what she is saying because she is usually grinning, probably saying something she shouldn't, haha. She will also go on and on in Chinese to the play phone, it cracks me up. I feel so bad that she has so much to say and we can't understand her.
She is happy much of the time but still gets very angry when she doesn't get her way, although her tantrums don't last as long and they are not as loud. And she can really tear through the house, wow our house hasn't looked like this in years, haha, I tried to clean up but she is pulling something else out at the same time. I guess I forgot how busy toddlers are.
On that note I need to get back to the busy toddler, although Matthew is home sick so I have a little help with entertainment today, she adores both Matthew and Olivia!!!
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