Two months ago today, we arrived home with Jenna.
It feels like she's been here soooo much longer, but you know how it is when you're in the midst of something hard and time seems to drag on. that's about where we're at.
Friends of mine who have seen Jenna a few times since being home tell me she has made so much progress. It's harder to see from the inside I think.
In some regards, she's come so far, and in other areas I wonder if she's progressed at all. All part of the process, I'm sure.
She is understanding a lot of English. I know this because she does what we tell her, most of the time. Things like: get your shoes, put them away (to which she just throws them in the mudroom- just like all the rest of us ;) ), come here, stand up, sit down, time for bed (she goes to her bed), hug, and kiss.
She and the kids are doing fantastic together. She is definitely more bonded to them than to Jason or I. I keep feeling lately like she just won't give in to us. Not sure what that's about but I suspect it has to do with the fact that she's never had any reason to trust the adults in her life. She and Emily are very good together. They have moments here and there with sharing, but they also share hugs and kisses. It has been so humbling to see how easily the kids love her.
Her language is still very lacking. The speech therapist told me this week that if she had a language at all to begin with, even if it were chinese, she would be able to pick up another language more quickly. We're more and more convinced that she had no language at all upon arrival home and the sounds she makes are very much indicative of that. Baby babble is about all she's got. She is starting to mimic sounds that I make if she watches me make the sound first. She does have a few signs: eat, more, please, and we're working on all-done and thank-you. Most use is regarding food, which also continues to be her biggest struggle area.
Anyways, please continue praying for her heart and mine! There have been some struggles in this that I just didn't expect, which being the planner I am, have made them somewhat harder for me to deal with. But I know it will all come in time. And I thought the waiting was over! Ha!
4 comments:
Oh Vicki you are a great Mom, I am so happy to read about Jenna's progress and to see the photos, I know she just needs time and love.
Marla
such precious photos, can't wait to see her again this weekend!
Continuing to pray for all of you. I think that it is amazing how you say she has connected with your kiddos...kids do have a special thing for one another. Sometimes I think it is because kids are so innocent and not really all that guarded in their feelings. We adults tend to be more guarded and not always to able to give so innocently and freely. You are an incredible mom...I love reading your story and your journey. God had this planned for you long ago....continue to be patient and steadfast. He is with all of you always. Thanks for continuing to allow us into your heart and your journey with Jenna and your beautiful family. God's blessings always, E
Oh, Vicki, I'm so sorry things have been so difficult for you! I'm sure she is making progress, but to a mother's heart, you want to see a big blossom, I'm sure!!! It's coming. 2 months is really such a short time. But, having had a baby that demanded my very ALL, I know how it can feel like an eternity!!!!
I'm praying for you! But, thank God you stepped out in obedience when God called- I can't imagine how much harder this all would have been for Jenna if she had spent even one more hour in an institution!!!
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