December Update

Well it is about time I got back to this blog post now that Christmas is over. Here it is dated December 21st/08.


Good Evening

Isn't it beautiful outside. I know it is stormy but so perfect for Christmas. It truly puts your spirit in the mood for the season. I am feeling quite mushy and emotional. I become overwhelmed so many times when I live my daily life with my family. Why were we chosen to be the parents of such amazing children? I am sure all of you feel the same. This time of year always seems to squeeze our hearts a little tighter with love and thankfulness for family.

Our "big" gift this year is doing incredible. Anyone who has been around us in the last week can attest to this. After meeting Lolah and watching her blend into her new environment one would think she has been part of our family for much longer than 1 month. She is not a fan of in your face greetings and conversation but loves to just blend in. And blend in she does. On occasion she will shine a little brighter but that is because we are looking for the bright light. Many people have said they could not take their eyes off her. I believe it is because she is adapting into her new country, community and family so well it catches you off guard. Not to mention her contagious smile and lively spirit. Her spirit begs for a playful encounter yet everyone has been so gracious in allowing her to make the first move. We are so thankful that all have been so respectful of this as we are then able to get together with friends and family without concern for her being overwhelmed.

How is it going at home is a question we are fielding on a regular basis. How are the boys doing? The boys are doing great. They have been well prepared to welcome a new sister who is not perfect. They have been told there will be disagreements just like before but we are family and we forgive and move on. They have risen to the occasion and have worked through the minor rough spots with such grace. Leevi our deep little boy struggles a little more than Simon as he is the communicator and wants to talk through his questions and because of the language barrier has not cemented the relationship as much as Simon has. Simon and Lolah are sometimes just like two little puppies rolling and playing with few words just activity. I have a feeling when the language comes through she and Leevi will make up for lost time as she loves to talk.

Funny that I mentioned "cemented" the relationship as Darryn has so many times said he believe Lolah will be the glue for our family. She has such a mothering, nurturing spirit she will have her brothers lined up and functioning at an efficient level to achieve her goals for our family. Being the oldest most capable in the orphanage she is just doing what she has been told and taught. These three shy boys have no idea what just landed in our family. Go Lolah Go!

How are you communicating with each other is probably the next most frequently asked question. She only speaks mandarin and we only speak english. But body language is such a huge part of communication so most is not an issue. Lolah has a few english words like good, your welcome, all gone, more, chocolate and let's go. Most communication is understood with a few gestures and I am sure you could make yourself understood in any language if you wanted to eat, drink or use the washroom. If all else fails she takes our hand and leads us to what she wants and 90% of the time we know what she wants. She sometimes tells us a wonderful story with wide eyes and such enthusiasm and we smile and show excitement along with her. Playing WII bowling is a favorite and you should see the excitement when she gets a strike. Leevi and Simon have taken the lose again like gentlemen. The girl can bowl.

I have to say she has the bedtime thing figured out. She does not like bedtime if she has not had a nap. If she is overtired bedtime is usually a sad time. Really her life is one big party here compared China, especially before Christmas. So many social events and FUN, FUN FUN going to bed mean the party is over. She was particularly sad the other day when she had two little friends over(who are Asian) and it was time for them to go home. She was going to get her coat on to go with them. Her sad little face and silent tears moved me to tears also. She just did not know when they will be back. Who knows what she is thinking and we cannot communicate to her that these play dates will happen again and again and again.

She is eating well. She does not eat a vast selection of foods but is gradually throwing some new things over her taste buds and expanding the menu.