Monday, June 1, 2009

Life's Just Happening









Almost 3 months have passed since we brought sweet Cecily home. Sometimes I look at pictures from those first few weeks and I am in disbelief at how much she has changed. She is not the same little girl that came home shy, scared, timid, quiet, and agreeable. Thank goodness! We love her strength (most times) and her voice about how she feels and what she wants. Her English skills are getting so much better with each day. School helped that tremendously. We still get caught up in the communication barriers sometimes but now she just huffs and thinks of another way to say it. I could go on and on about how smart and funny she is but that seems a bit boastful!
We have had so many families ask us about issues that we had or are having since Cecily is older. I think communication in the beginning was the most frustrating part. She withdrew tremendously in the first few weeks and said little to nothing. English that we were certain she knew, she wouldn't use. She tells me now that she was sad and scared then. Now she enlightens us daily with crazy stories. She knows we love to hear about her and she has helped us understand so much about her life. We never ask specific questions, I have just always asked her to tell me something funny or to tell me a story that made her happy. She is amazing. I love hearing her talk about Ethiopia and her time there. She has a great love for Ethiopia. She wants to hold onto her heritage often fearing that she is forgetting something. Our children are truly remarkable.
Ian is turning 2 this Friday =( I'm a little sad to see this next milestone (very thankful to be celebrating it) come and go. His little personality is just so endearing. He is so funny and intuitive that he catches me off guard most times. He is a great little brother. I'm not so sure what kind of big brother he will be in a few weeks...should be interesting. He's still our little baby and he will tell you that!
Wish I had more to update about. Life is good, too fast, and exhausting. The kids are beautiful, funny and smart beyond belief. Some days I can't believe this is my life, I a very blessed woman. As I hit the big 2-7 next week I will look back and thank God for the infinite blessings I have received.

14 comments:

veggiemom said...

I'm so glad Cecily is talking. The pictures are beautiful! Happy birthday Ian!

Holli said...

Love your family pictures! They are AMAZING!!! Happy Birthday to Ian and you!!

Monica said...

What a beautiful family! I love all the pictures. Glad to hear everyone is doing well. :)

Tara said...

beautiful family! loving your story, we are adopting a 4 yr old girl june 14thish!

Amber said...

your blog teaches me so much. I am learning for when our girls come home with us in 2 weeks!!

I want to say thank you and your kids are beautiful.

Katie said...

Your family pictures are beautiful! It sounds like life couldn't get much better... well until July! Congratulations!

Kristy -Mom To 9 Blessings said...

WHat a wonderful post and beautiful pictures! I can't wait to show grace the photos of her dear friend!
Blessings,
Kristy

Ellie said...

These pictures are beautiful! I can't believe how big Ian is!! And Cecily is just gorgeous. Your family is precious.

Nikki said...

So enjoy your posts. It is so encouraging to hear how your sweet Cecily is doing. I have recognized Cecily in several photos taken with our 7 year old daughters (that is, hoping we pass court on the 16th.)

You have such a beautiful family!

Jen said...

Beautiful post, beautiful pictures, and beautiful family.

Renee said...

What a beautiful post Lindsey. So happy to hear that things are going well. If I don't see you in July I'm hoping that maybe we can meet up this fall? Miss you! I leave tomorrow for Ethiopia- can you believe it??
XO,
Renee

Sparkz said...

I love the pictures. They are AWESOME. I family picture is beautiful. I haven't checked your blog in a while. Your kids are too cute. Glad things are going well!

Tracy said...

I love the name Cecily! She is a beauty, and I'm so glad to read that she is coming out of her shell. I found you on the Gladney "FBI" sight, and have enjoyed reading your updates. My husband and I are in the adoption process now.

Unknown said...

What a beautiful testimony and wonderful family! Thank you for sharing it here with others! I work with Christian Alliance for Orphans (info@christianalliancefororphans.org) and would like to contact you. Can you let me know the best way?