Jilly's Gift

 Jill was given money from her grandparents for her birthday.  She does not love stuff.  Toys..she could care less.  Swimming.....now swimming is something she LOVES.

So, we used her b-day gifts and took her to the indoor water park to celebrate.  She was happy-  REALLY, REALLY happy-to see this pool space!

She played and played.  She smiled and smiled.  At the end of the first day, she slept like a rock for the entire night.  She even woke up the next morning signing to swim again.  It was rough waiting for the park to open at 9:00 because she was up at 6:00 AM.

 We visited the aquarium too and she enjoyed seeing the fish.

 There was a water table there.  The girls loved it.

It was nice of Jilly to share her birthday experience with our entire family.  We all had a great time together.  There was a clown show where Anna Mei picked up an Elsa headband.  The girls also enjoyed the dj show in the waterpark where they won the cake walk.  Grateful for these girls and this man and a few days in the water!  We are so very blessed!

No Words..

I have no words to express how grateful to God I am for relocating us fifteen minutes from a beautiful, crystal clear lake with a rocking beach.  Our five year old treasure, who has numerous challenges and overwhelming anxiety which causes most activities to be challenging to say the least, is completely content-even overflowing with joy-when water is present.  When we told her we were going to the beach this morning, I am not sure she remembered the beach concept as she wasn't super enthusiastic, but when we rounded that corner on the road to the beach and she spotted the water out of our van window she just clapped her hands and squealed.  She raced to the shore as soon as we let her out of the car with the biggest smile on her face.  To watch this dear, dear girl enjoying life so very much today at this place is to know true joy in your heart!  This treasure once so close to death is alive and thriving!  God is so good to allow us a small part of who she is becoming!

 I even got her to wear arm floaties.  Until last week, the sweet girl wouldn't go near them.  She would not even play in a pool when someone was wearing them.  I knew if I could get them on her she would love the independence and ability to float so last week I did it.  I got them on her and she LOVES them.

 She is so cute signing LOVE BEACH this afternoon.  My this treasure is so adorable!

She loves to "swim" with those floaties.  She is full of smiles while we play.  When we had to go she just kept signing SAD.  We will be spending many, many summer days here.  It is a 15 minute drive and it is FREE!  Seriously, could it be any better?

 Anna Mei was thrilled to be going and sang WE ARE GO TO BEACH..again and again while driving out there.

 Em played with her sisters and followed them into the water again and again!

We had one perfect day!  I said we should get a camper and a boat or maybe we should just keep driving the fifteen minutes to this little piece of paradise so close to home.  Praising God in deed for His goodness and provision for our family in placing us here as so many things about this city are just perfect for our family!

Decorating our Tree

 It didn't take long for Anna Mei to get the hang of this tree decorating thing.  She was thrilled with the lights.

 She loved going over every detail of every decoration including her very own baby's first Christmas ornament with her picture.  It wasn't long before she was organizing and running the show.

 Jillian was a bit anxious with the process, but before long she was helping Daddy hang a few ornaments and signing light on.

She remembered this little music box that sits under our tree and loved being the big sister by showing Anna Mei how it worked.  It is exciting to be in a new home (though it is not a permanent one) celebrating our Savior's birth as a family of five. 

A Trip to DQ

My girls are so happy here.  I was trying to be optimistic about this move in the days leading up to it.  I have done my best to prepare these ladies by talking about our new home and using pictures and praying..lots of praying, but I never dreamed Jillian would be so happy so fast.  My word she has grown so much in the last two years.  It is hard to believe, even though the images of her first fifteen months with us are deeply imbedded in my heart, that this is the same child who came home with us from China.  Would you just look at Jillian clapping and smiling?  We walked in the wagon to the neighborhood DQ.  Jill would NOT eat any ice cream, but enjoyed teasing me.  She would open her mouth just until a bite got close and then she would close it up.  Anna Mei on the other hand ate lots and lots of brownie delight.  She was delighted with our evening activities and the hot fudge.

 I made Em pose because now I have proof that she is indeed here with us too.  She didn't want to, but a mother's I say so is very powerful some days.  She got to play a little 3 on 3 with her daddy, some of her new bball teammates, and her coach informally today.  It was great for her, but left her pretty tired because after an hour of bball, she had two hours of volleyball to practice.  Good times!  She is so busy.  This high school schedule is very, very full.  I suppose we will adjust.

Here is a picture of my little sweetie sporting some Iowa goodness.  She is growing up so much!  Notice Jillian in the back of the cart.  She is indeed already even comfortable enough to be shopping here.  I never dreamed she would adjust so quickly.  I am visiting the school program at the end of next week for her.  I need wisdom..lots of wisdom.   This is one special treasure I have and I really need God's guidance in deciding what is best for her as far as schooling goes. Until then, I am enjoying my babies and settling into this new life with JOY! 

Becoming Sisters

For those of you who don't know our Jillian's story, she is a very special little treasure.  She was 15 pounds at 27 months when she was birthed into our arms.  She was completely lifeless, dehydrated, shut down, and empty.  She was never fed solid food and we suspect that she spent most of her days alone in a crib.  She couldn't walk, didn't respond to language, didn't interact with us, and had a cognitive score of 6 months when she was first tested.  We have had our miracle baby girl home with us for two years and the change in her has been nothing short of miraculous.  She is still nonverbal, communicating with sign language, but understands everything we say to her and loves her family!  She has an autism diagnosis and is a unique little creature created by God in His image.

Many have asked how she is doing adjusting to a new sister because they know her story.

And let me tell you, God is faithful because these two beauties are perfect for each other.
His plan has been for these two to be sisters all along and it is beautiful watching it happen.

Each one has their moments, but by and large they are doing very well together.

 This little sweetie does everything her big sister does even when she is too little to accomplish it well.
She can be quite jealous if momma is giving too much attention to Jillian.
She also always likes to have her way.
(in true 2 year old fashion)

 Jillian is already interacting with Anna too.
She enjoys watching her eat at the table when they are sitting together.

 They seem to understand that they belong together.
Anna does tend to get frustrated some times when Jillian takes so long to answer momma.
I think in the future, Mei Mei will be one who will answer for Jillian and do things for her rather than wait for her to think it out and answer.

The hardest thing about Anna Mei for Jillian is that she cries.
Crying makes Jillian very anxious and it upsets her when she hears Anna fuss.
Jillian will instantly give Anna any toy she wants even if Jill is playing with it to avoid the crying.
When Anna Mei is fussing, Jillian will come up to her and sign stop please.

 The most common interactions are ones like this.
They share toys or objects with one another very well.
They enjoy being in the bean bin together and sitting near each other parallel playing.
Jillian isn't comfortable enough to play her games with Mei yet.
I tried to get her to let Anna Mei swing her doll with her, but Jill wouldn't have it yet.
She only wanted momma to play.

 Over time, I know this relationship will be good for both of my beauties.
I am in awe of God's plan for each of them.

 I am thrilled to watch as they fall in love with each other.
And for the biggest sis..

 Em is very involved with Anna Mei already.
She is carrying her and playing with her.
This is a bit miraculous for my biggest girl as she is very reserved, but Anna doesn't let anyone in her life just sit back and ignore her so big sissy has no choice.  I am grateful God has given me such a special teenager who understands my heart for the orphan and willingly shares her momma so more can be home.  She is so helpful and God is shaping and molding her heart as we live out James 1:27.

(Now if this momma could just sleep past 4:00 in morning this life would be near perfect.  Jet lag is not my friend, but at least Anna Mei seems to be turning a corner.)