We've been home for almost a week with our sweet little girl and she's doing really well! An initial hospital stay wasn't the homecoming we'd hoped for, but it's all good now. Each day we see her getting stronger and feeling better and we're slowly catching up on sleep. She's adjusting to her new surroundings and seems to be settling in! She is curious, talkative, and very ticklish. She is a good eater and loves just about every food we put in front of her except for bread... not a fan of bread. She loves to play and has a sister and 4 brothers packing her around all the time looking to meet her every need! We can't thank you all enough for all the prayers and encouragement! It means the world!
We had our first home visit with our Adoption Specialist on Thursday and she was pleased with how Malea seems to be adjusting to her new life. She urged us to send out a note to our family and friends to let everyone know how we have approach the next few months. Malea has had numerous caregivers in and out of her life over the last 2 years and because of that, she hasn't learned to attach and bond to people because they are always coming and going. We saw immediately that she doesn't know a stranger and reaches for anyone who makes eye contact with her assuming they should take her. In order to teach her to bond and attach to us as her family now and realize she will always belong here, we have to have these next months be where our immediately family are the only ones holding her and caring for her. We know this probably seems drastic and that's not our intent we PROMISE, it's just what all of our training has advised. She didn't have the opportunity to attach to anyone like kids we all know when they attach to mom or dad in those early months, so that means she will have to be taught that the ones caring for her now will never leave. Our agency workers and other adoptive parents have said if we let her be passed around when we are out and about it will confuse her and she won't distinguish the difference between strangers or friends, and mom and dad. Our first and most important goal is for her to bond as quickly as possible! We know she is SO LOVED and we WANT her to be loved on by everyone we just ask that you love on her while we hold her :) Our adoption workers have always been so encouraged when we would describe the incredible support system we have and know that this will be vital to Malea! This will only be temporary and we know that she will soon be adjusted to her new life! Thank you SO MUCH for understanding and for loving our family the way you do!!! We are INCREDIBLY BleSSed and so thankful for all of you!
We are excited about what the days and weeks will bring as she continues to settle in and feel more at home. God has shown us so much in this journey and I'll be sharing more of that soon! I read a quote earlier asking...whether we find ourselves compelled by comfort or compelled to follow Christ... We find ourselves compelled more than ever to follow God even when it takes us to places we never dreamed. The destination is SO WORTH IT!
Lots of love,
Dan and Jenni
