Six Weeks Home

The last couple weeks have been met with wonderful times and challenges. Kaitlyn has continued to share things about Lanzhou and her foster mother. Now we know there was an older girl and boy in the home that she called her brother and sister. There was also a grandmother who walked with a cane, but it is unclear if she lived in the same house... we think so. She told me her Lanzhou Ma Ma put her hair in ponytails and cooked her dumplins for dinner. She also has shared some very sad and heartbreaking information as to how she was treated in the home. Each time she opens up, she ends up in tears by the end of the conversation. I will never forget when I was completely stressing out at school before leaving for China wondering why - after 2 1/2 years of waiting, why things went into lightning speed mode all of the sudden for us. My friend, Natalie, told me..."God has a plan. Maybe there is a reason why you need to get her NOW and not wait another month or two." I believe we know the answer to that now.

Kaitlyn loves her older sister, Kailey. She likes to watch her do her hair and make-up in the morning, play soccer with her, copies her cheer dances, cartwheels and plays games with her. However, she has also become quite jealous of Kailey and doesn't like the fact I have another daughter. It has been much, much better the last few days. I continually, and very firmly explain to her that Ma Ma has two daughters. I love Kaitlyn, and I love Kailey - it's okay. Like I said, this week has been better. She actually pushed me toward Kailey and insisted I hug her & kiss her. That was a good sign! I hope we're over the worst part of that!

We have been in close contact about all this with our adoption agency and they are working with us to find appropriate counseling for Kaitlyn... and for the family, to help us with these issues that have come up. We have a good lead on a doctor in Mesa (about an hour and 15 minute drive one way from our house), that specializes in adoption issues.

Kaitlyn is full of funny phrases! She's always been a good eater and usually out-eats us at the dinner table! Some of the things she says at the dinner table are, "Slow it down; Take it easy, Wait, Wait, Wait". Obviously, these are the things we often say to her as she shovels the food in her mouth! I was also holding my little niece, Carly and turned her around for a picture. Kaitlyn yells out, "Turn the page!" It was too funny! She refers to one of her teachers, as "Mrs. Smith... Excuuuuuse me, Turn the page, I'll wait". Then with her math teacher, (Natalie) she dances and sings, "Days-Of-The-Week" to the tune of "The Adams Family". I thought for the longest time she was singing "Desiree" not "Days of the week!" Kaitlyn is doing 2nd grade English work in reading, writing and math. We're hoping to get her into 3rd grade curriculum by February/March. She's smart and is learning rapidly!

Well, that's about it in a nutshell! Please continue to keep Kaitlyn and our family in your prayers as we continue to work through things. We know God is in control and has a plan for our expanded family. Philippians 1:6 "Be confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it onto completion until the day of Christ Jesus."