Home 6 months

I know it has been a while since I posted but with 4 kids it has been very busy the past few months.  I can't believe it has been 6 months since we have been home with Ciarra.  I posted a photo from "gotcha day" and a photo taken the end of April.  What a difference only a few months make.  Our family has truly been blessed to have this precious little girl as part of our family.  She has adjusted so well and is such a happy little girl.  She will be turning two in July.  A year ago at this time I didn't think the adoption would ever happen and was actually thinking about pulling our dossier from China.  We had put in a request for a 2 1/2 year old from Bethany's last agency specific list and was not matched.  That was our 3rd "no match" call and was very discouraging.  In July the new process of being matched from the shared list began and we decided to submit our paperwork and try at least until the end of the year.  I submitted the paperwork on Aug. 1st and on Aug. 15th we got the call and saw our daughter's photo for the first time.  I know it is easy to say now that we have her in our arms, but it was really perfect timing and the perfect match for our family.  My prayers go out to all those still waiting but believe me the wait is well worth it.  

Home a month

I can't believe it has been a month already since we arrived home with Ciarra. I read so many times on other family blogs during our long wait to just be patient and the long wait would fade once you are home with your child and how you will be matched with the child that is meant for you. And here I am thinking that yes they were right, the wait does fade and how well Ciarra has adjusted and is the perfect fit for our family. She has had her first Christmas, been to church and has sat through several basketball games in the past month. She loves to just run around on the gym floor. We have found out she loves pancakes and tuna sandwiches and of course sweets. She still wakes up during the night but usually goes right back to sleep. Hopefully she will adjust to daycare as I will be going back to work in a couple more weeks. We will be visiting the cleft team at the University of Iowa on February 9th and anxious for the first consultation. She has had several shots and blood drawn twice so she will know the hospital very well. The weather has been so cold here that she hasn't been able to be outside. We are hoping for a little warmer weather so she can play in the snow. She is not talking much but understands very well what we are saying. We have many more "firsts" to experience over the next year and hoping to keep you all updated with how she is changing and adjusting to all the new experiences.