I can hardly believe that it has been one full month since we brought Elle home! In so many ways it seems like it has been longer than that, not because she has been difficult or has had a hard time adjusting, but because we have crossed the threshold of "forever" with her. In other words, it seems like she has always been with us and looking back at life prior to Elizabeth just seems foreign. Now don't get me wrong, we have had a few bumps in the road and it has by no means been "easy" the whole time, but we can not imagine it being any different!
I really could not have wished for a better transition for Elle at this point and we have been very blessed by her already. Learning to see Brandon and me as authority figures and not just fun "Ferengi" who bring gifts to play with, has been one of the hardest lessons and has made me very thankful for Addie and Ian. They have been such a help for Elizabeth as she is learning the boundaries of our family and how to interact with us. Being able to watch other children similar in age has given her an advantage that I am truly thankful for.
Now the next big lesson that I am eager for her to learn, is to stay close to Mommy and Daddy! That girl is quick and has given me a few heart attacks in a crowd!!! Not only is it a little different in Ethiopia concerning strangers, but she does not have that attachment or sense of insecurity that Addie and Ian have when they stray too far. I am hoping that she learns this quickly because keeping up with her and Ian in public can be a real challenge. I am normally always up for a challenge, but GEE-WIZ.... this is exhausting! :-)
I think that one of my favorite things right now is listening to Elle and Addie have "conversations." Keep in mind that Elle still is not speaking English, so most of the conversations go something like this...
Elle: Speaks in Amharic with a couple of English words thrown in like Dog, eat, Ian (not in that specific order).
Addie: "After we eat, we are going to play dress up! And you can be Sleeping Beauty."
Elle: Says something in Amharic and nods her head
Addie: "Purple is your color, but you can change if you want to."
Elle: Says something in Amharic
Addie: "Try it Kitty, it is good!" (She is now pretending that she is a cat)
And so the jibber jabber continues! I love it, it is very entertaining and Brandon says that it is proof that a girl does not really need anyone to listen, just company to talk to. I think he might be right (just don't tell him)! :-)
I am sure that most of you are aware that we had family pictures taken about a week ago, but I will leave you with a couple of my favorites.
I really could not have wished for a better transition for Elle at this point and we have been very blessed by her already. Learning to see Brandon and me as authority figures and not just fun "Ferengi" who bring gifts to play with, has been one of the hardest lessons and has made me very thankful for Addie and Ian. They have been such a help for Elizabeth as she is learning the boundaries of our family and how to interact with us. Being able to watch other children similar in age has given her an advantage that I am truly thankful for.
Now the next big lesson that I am eager for her to learn, is to stay close to Mommy and Daddy! That girl is quick and has given me a few heart attacks in a crowd!!! Not only is it a little different in Ethiopia concerning strangers, but she does not have that attachment or sense of insecurity that Addie and Ian have when they stray too far. I am hoping that she learns this quickly because keeping up with her and Ian in public can be a real challenge. I am normally always up for a challenge, but GEE-WIZ.... this is exhausting! :-)
I think that one of my favorite things right now is listening to Elle and Addie have "conversations." Keep in mind that Elle still is not speaking English, so most of the conversations go something like this...
Elle: Speaks in Amharic with a couple of English words thrown in like Dog, eat, Ian (not in that specific order).
Addie: "After we eat, we are going to play dress up! And you can be Sleeping Beauty."
Elle: Says something in Amharic and nods her head
Addie: "Purple is your color, but you can change if you want to."
Elle: Says something in Amharic
Addie: "Try it Kitty, it is good!" (She is now pretending that she is a cat)
And so the jibber jabber continues! I love it, it is very entertaining and Brandon says that it is proof that a girl does not really need anyone to listen, just company to talk to. I think he might be right (just don't tell him)! :-)
I am sure that most of you are aware that we had family pictures taken about a week ago, but I will leave you with a couple of my favorites.
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