Even though they have only been with us for a short while, I already can't imagine our home without them and feel like they have been a part of our family forever.
And in a way, they kind of have been a part of our family forever. They have been with us in thought and spirit and we have been praying for them since the beginning.
The story of how God brought these two into our lives is truly beautiful. You can read their story here: Welcome Home
We are still getting to know our girls as they are still adjusting to their new home, but they are slowly coming out of their shells and showing us more and more of who they are :)
Here are 7 things I have learned about each of our girls in their first 2 weeks with us:
Chloe:
1) She has the cutest ears that stick out just perfectly and the greatest little thin-lipped smile in the world.
I seriously can't get over how cute she is!
2) She is crazy and very outgoing.
Chloe is constantly moving and loves people! Because of the very limited space, interaction, and stimulation at the orphanage she came to us from, she has unfortunately developed a LOT of stims and is almost always stimming. We are working on redirecting those stims into different activities and games where she can be kept busy and stimulated in a healthy way that will encourage her development.
3) She is incredibly ticklish!
I am not kidding. Every time you touch her, she crumples into a ball of giggles!
4) She loves Promise.
No matter how far away we put her, she will listen for Promise, find her, climb on her, and rock her back and forth while giggling. Promise isn't so fond of her new sister but I think Chloe will grow on her ;) If Promise isn't around, Cedar is a suitable substitute and her next favorite!
5) She loves music.
Whether it is listening to music or making music herself with any musical instrument or toy that makes noise, Chloe loves it all! If you put the big headphones on her she will instantly freeze with her mouth half open and listen for as long as you'll let her, completely still and silent.
6) She is not a fan of eggs or vegetables!
For the first week, she was not happy with the change of diet and would try to spit out anything that wasn't rice. She is getting used to it now though and for the most part will eat all her eggs and veggies without a fuss.
7) She can stand and walk.
She can stand well and take many steps but is still figuring out the concept of walking with purpose... Most of the time she will just walk in place, backwards, or in circles - rarely forwards! We're working on walking straight to things she hears and wants though and while she isn't a huge fan right now, I think it will click quickly and she'll be walking all over the place in no time!
Chloe is currently unsponsored. Will you consider coming alongside us in caring for this special little girl? Follow the link below to learn more or become Chloe's first sponsor!
Charlotte:
1) She loves to be held and rocked.
Charlotte has had a more difficult time transitioning than Chloe, but whenever she is upset, she just wants to be comforted and will calm down instantly if you pick her up and rock her (which is a great sign!). Of course sitting down is not allowed though ;)
2) She is great about exploring things.
Whether it is with her hands or her feet, she really likes exploring. She will feel your face when you're holding her as if to figure out who you are and really likes to explore certain textures (shaving cream is a favorite).
3) She is easily overwhelmed.
Whenever there is a lot of commotion or loud sounds, she gets very quickly overwhelmed and just needs a little time alone in a quiet place. I think that is what made the transition the hardest on her.
4) She loves her sari swing!
For the times we are working with the other kids and can't be holding her, our ayahs hung a sari from a hook in the ceiling of our living room and made a swing just for Charlotte. She loves getting curled up in there and really enjoys the calming swinging motion.
5) She loves listening to music.
And looks incredibly adorable wearing our big headphones!
6) She does not like standing.
Or sitting. Or really anything that isn't lying down... I'm pretty sure she had never born weight before moving in with us and while she is already standing against the railing on her own, she is still not a fan. At all.
7) Her little smile is the cutest thing in the whole world!
It took us over a week to get it out of her, but now she is so smiley. Combined with her big lips, it is basically the most adorable thing ever! And her tiny giggle? I seriously can not get enough!
Charlotte is only partially sponsored. Will you help Charlotte grow by helping us provide her with all she needs? Follow the link below to learn more or become a sponsor of sweet little Charlotte.
Every day I look at our girls and am so overwhelmed with love, joy, and gratefulness to God for entrusting us with his precious daughters and finally bringing them home to us. I am so incredibly blessed.
Soooo, I want a sari swing.
ReplyDeleteWow, I love how kindly you describe these little girls even including their little quirks. I'm so glad they've come into your home.
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