Six weeks?

It's hard to believe that we have only been home for six weeks.  In that time Gracie has come so far!  It's amazing how quickly she has begun to understand the English language and how our ability to communicate has drastically cut down the amount of breakdowns that she has.  It is now a rare occurrance for her to fall to the floor and cry.  Her physical abilities have improved so much that she has now even moved into her age appropriate gym class at My Gym Nothing scares this little girl, from day one she has been willing to try anything at the gym and even if she tumbles down she gets back up and tries again.  Believe it or not Gracie is sleeping through the night and napping well.  She doesn't cry anymore when we put her in her crib or when we walk out of their bedroom.  In the morning she would cry as soon as she woke up but now she just calls for Mama or Dada.  Best of all as there are less cries , there are lots more smiles, kisses and hugs and we all feel the love.

Our little girl has been through so much in her short life but I am so grateful that she was willing to trust and love us so quickly.  I can only hope that things will continue to improve and that after being home for six months our rocky start will only be a distant memory for us all.

Gracie still doesn't like to pose for photos, but here are a few of the latest.

Molly is still having a hard time learning when Gracie needs a little space.

Gracie and her favorite stuffed animal(Bucky) that she can not sleep without.

Cutest outfit ever! Made by Matilda's Mama

Love seeing my girl have so much fun!

Sisters!

Rather than keep two blogs for the girls we decided to combine them into one. Hopefully we'll be good about posting updates of life with these two amazing little girls. (no promises on the frequency of updates, they do keep us busy!)
Since returning home from China Gracie has come so far. We are amazed. It was a real struggle in those first few weeks. Gracie was scared, confused and could not communicate at all. She was very delayed physically and her special need was a constant problem. All of that has changed.
Gracie is happy, healthy, learning words at an amazing rate, doing really well in her gym class and music class and having a GREAT time with her big sister, Molly.

Through it all Molly has been the consumate older sibling. She is patient and kind, nurturing and generous. She shows almost no jealousy and enjoys teching Gracie new things. Gracie is a sponge for whatever Molly does. She is a little copycat, for better or worse. Having Molly around is already proving to be her best teacher.

After the first few nights Gracie had to move out of Molly's room because of how long it took her to calm down and sleep. Just this week they moved back in together and so far, so good. Last night there were no tears at all when Mom and Dad walked out. Molly loves having a roommate and Gracie feels comforted by the company.

Gracie is not the little fashion model Molly is. She hates to sit for pictures so I haven't gotten very many but here are a few good ones. Many more to come. As with everything Gracie is starting to learn to enjoy taking pictures.

We can write off the first month and just think of it as an adjustment period. A long and frustrating one that made us borderline desperate at times. The sun has emerged from behind that dark cloud now and we have two happy girls who are fast becoming best friends.