Alice update & violin recital...

Between Christmas cards, parties, doctors appointments and life in general, I haven't had much time for posting lately....hoping things will begin to slow down soon....this week in particular, it has been wild. Alice had her first visit at the International Adoption Clinic on Monday...Lucy had a doctors visit Tuesday and both boys have appointments today for well visits...but, it needed to be done. Alice's appointment went really well. We were there for 3 1/2 hours and while there we saw the family therapist, she got an overall check, had an ultrasound of her belly, kidneys, bladder and then had 6 vials of blood taken. To say she did good is an understatement...she laid back with her hands behind her head for the ultrasound and didn't make a peep...then, for the bloodwork, she held her arm out for the needle and when they stuck it in her vein, she barely even flinched, then sat and looked at the tube taking the blood out of her vein until 6 vials were filled...it was strange...but it worked:) She did so good, that Lucy was begging for a shot...so funny....the therapist said that after being in a family for a while, she would begin to be more sensitive to pain. It is sad, but she is tough...she weighed 28 pounds and they said she looked great. She might need tubes, but we will get to that...Dr Chambers listened to her heart, but at this time, didn't hear anything:) We still need to get the ASD checked out by a cardiologist, but I wouldn't be a bit surprised if it was closed and a non-issue. As far as attachment, they said that they liked what they saw and it looked like she was attaching very well. Of course, it is a process, but I can tell we have made great strides and was encouraged to hear that the therapist had all good things to say. She did say that our biggest battle will be to remember that she has come from some trauma. She just seems so much like our other children that there may be times when that trauma comes out and not to dismiss or overlook it because she seems so 'fine'. She really fits into our family well and it is hard to believe how much her personality matches our other children. Another bit of proof that God is so sovereign and unbelievable. We say she is the Asian version of Lucy and we honestly couldnt be more thrilled...we love some lively personalities at our house!!! She can hold her own for sure! We go back in 2 weeks for the developmental part of things...I would say she is probably ahead to be honest...she can fold clothes like you cannot believe, she sweeps like an adult and can dress herself, feed herself and her dexterity is unbelievable...I can't wait to hear what they have to say.

She is picking up a few English words here and there...right now she is at the window saying "Hey, Phoebe" (that is our dog)...she says 'thank you' in context and knows us all by Mama, Daddy, Max, Lucy and Charlie....when she is hungry, she points to herself and slaps her tummy...pretty amusing. She is very free with her hugs and kisses and is quick to check on and console anyone that is crying. She sings the sweetest little songs in Chinese that you have ever heard. She giggles like crazy-VERY LOUDLY--with her little hand over her mouth. She loves to help..with dishes, laundry, really anything you are doing and she is good at it. She is very opinionated. She is a pretty amazing little girl....God is more than good...I see a bright future for her and for us as a family.



On another note, Charlie had his first violin recital Tuesday night..he did so good and I was one proud mama:) He loves taking violin and I love that he loves it!!