Monday, February 21, 2011

2 Months.

Saturday marked two months since we brought our kids home.  In those two months, we've been steadily learning how to relate to each other, and how the rules work (which goes both ways).  W has an amazing sense of humor, and I find myself cracking up at him at the most odd moments.  It seems his favorite is dinnertime.  That's when we all sit down together and it's W's Comedy Hour.

J is navigating the social anxiety-ridden world that is fourth grade.  FOURTH!  When did the mean girls get younger?  I didn't have to deal with them until 6th grade.  I was hoping for a little more time.  The need to be popular and liked is so overwhelming.  I feel the angst for her when she describes it.  I remember what it was like when I was the flat-chested freckle-faced gangly girl that the other girls (and some of the boys - I'm looking at you Shawn Wirth!) made fun of.  I remember feeling like I didn't belong.  I remember my parents telling me it wouldn't matter in ten years.  What I wanted to scream to them was that it WASN'T in ten years RIGHT NOW!  And that was all that mattered - RIGHT NOW.  And I find myself telling her that when she goes to apply for college, they won't ask if she was popular, or the head cheerleader, or the prom queen.  They will be looking at her grades, and her community service, and her involvement.

And as we all know, I got that look.  The same look I am sure I gave my mother.  And in that instance, I understood.  It's all I can do to simply give her advice, and things to say.  And stand back, and let her navigate it like I had to.  On my own.  I turned out alright, and she will too.

Today we have our monthly visit with Miss Emily, our social worker.  Then I have to take the kids to the doctor for their annual physicals.  Seems they haven't seen a doctor in quite a while.  It was the same story with the dentist.  (Don't get me started).

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Today She's 10.

My daughter turns 10 today.

My daughter.  The one who I just met two months ago.  The one we prayed for, wished for, grew in our hearts.  The one that makes me laugh, the one that is so smart, and funny, and artistic.  The one that is starting to be boy crazy.  The one I watch and guide while she navigates the ins and outs of the social system at school.

The one who is fiercely protective of her brother.  The one who is struggling to wrap her head around the fact that this is IT.  That we are her forever family, and that unlike when other 'foster' parents have told her that they were going to adopt her, we MEAN it.

The one who I watch when she's not looking, and learn her quirks, and ticks, and habits.  The one who I strive to bond with over shopping trips.  The one who has such a thick, curly head of hair, that it takes me an hour to straighten it.

The one who is starting to develop and find herself.  To see herself for the beautiful, smart and confident girl she can be.  The one who is realizing, slowly, that she has found her place.

The one I love.

Wednesday, February 09, 2011

Planes, Trains, and Parties

We're ramping up here in the den to have a busy busy weekend.

My mother and father in law fly in Thursday night, and meet the kids in person for the first time.  The kids are so excited!  I told them that since MeMaw and Pawpaw fly in so late that they have to take a nap after school.  They both eagerly agreed.  WHAT?

On Friday, we're having a small party with our family and close friends at the house.  The in-laws used to live here, so they have several friends here.

On Saturday, J has her birthday bash at a local entertainment venue here that has bowling, games, and fun! Oh and beer for the adults!! <-- double

On Sunday, we're headed to one of the best brunches in Portland, right on the Columbia river.

Monday the in-laws have to fly home.  Just a quickie little visit.  But I'm sure not the last one!