I don't know that I will approach or 'celebrate' a milestone month without thinking of Ebony's birth mummy and daddy. I weep for what they are missing out on - for the little toddler she is and wish so strongly that they could somehow see how happy and wonderful she is. But I can't and I think that will always make me sad.
The days and months are running into each other more than anyone could imagine...especially me.
Times have been fairly tough at the moment...on Ebony and on me. Trying to spend time with my little girl in amongst packing, unpacking, cleaning and cleaning....and cleaning - haven't been easy. I know she's suffering to some extent and so am I. I'm so exhausted all the time - but I know this will change. Photo's will come in the next post - there is just too much happening at the moment and I can barely write I'm so exhausted....
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
Something happened today...
I don't want to forget a single moment if that was possible - but it isn't.
Something did happen today that showed me how much my life has changed.
We were at our soon to be new home and Ebony was sitting on the kitchen bench (while I was delving in the lunch esky) as she does because it's been much safer up there than on the ground! and we don't have chairs for her yet. Never been a problem in any way.
I was just coming up from my bending and Ebony launched herself at me - totally trusting that I would be ready for her. Actually I was in the nappy bag when I think of it because the nappy ended up metres away! I must have flung it as I worked my arms toward grabbing her. She would have ended up face down on the tiles and it wouldn't have been nice. I was shocked and terrified - I've never had a situation that was quite like that - I fought tears and my shock caused Ebony to cry too. She wasn't hurt at all. Graham was there and saw the end result and all he could say was "you are so white" - that shows my shock as I clung her to me and tears rolled down my face. Why do I say this? because it shows me that I am no longer 'I' - I'm 'we'. It shows me a glimpse of what I would do for this girl and what it would mean to me if she was hurt. I've never been through feelings like that before - I know I've suffered when Graham has hurt himself - but he is an adult and it's so totally different to have a child dependent on you - and to have her really trusting me - especially with where she comes from. It's an awesome responsibility and one I don't take lightly. I just never realized until today what this dimension of being a 'mummy' means.
Something did happen today that showed me how much my life has changed.
We were at our soon to be new home and Ebony was sitting on the kitchen bench (while I was delving in the lunch esky) as she does because it's been much safer up there than on the ground! and we don't have chairs for her yet. Never been a problem in any way.
I was just coming up from my bending and Ebony launched herself at me - totally trusting that I would be ready for her. Actually I was in the nappy bag when I think of it because the nappy ended up metres away! I must have flung it as I worked my arms toward grabbing her. She would have ended up face down on the tiles and it wouldn't have been nice. I was shocked and terrified - I've never had a situation that was quite like that - I fought tears and my shock caused Ebony to cry too. She wasn't hurt at all. Graham was there and saw the end result and all he could say was "you are so white" - that shows my shock as I clung her to me and tears rolled down my face. Why do I say this? because it shows me that I am no longer 'I' - I'm 'we'. It shows me a glimpse of what I would do for this girl and what it would mean to me if she was hurt. I've never been through feelings like that before - I know I've suffered when Graham has hurt himself - but he is an adult and it's so totally different to have a child dependent on you - and to have her really trusting me - especially with where she comes from. It's an awesome responsibility and one I don't take lightly. I just never realized until today what this dimension of being a 'mummy' means.
Monday, May 14, 2007
The day that was...Mothers Day!
What a great day it was! Believe it or not I saw Mothers Day for the first time at 12.20am! when Ebony woke up crying. I bought her into bed with us and then, after an hour, decided none of us were sleeping, so headed out to the lounge room - when, another hour later she starting saying more of her 'fun' things - I decided it was time for bed! I put her back to bed 2 hours after getting her up - at 2.20am and never heard another word until morning! I was presented with a beautiful, beautiful card from Gra and Ebony - one titled 'mummy' - the words I've LONGED to see on a card - it was beautiful.
Then it was off to Church where we experienced a beautiful heartfelt and very emotional message from our Pastor and 2 of his girls - it was very touching.
Then the fun started...we headed home for lunch, then donned our outdoor clothes and headed to the new home....just the 3 of us - and planted plants! Yep! it was great fun. Ebony slept for 2 1/2 hours while I worked in the garden and then we she woke she helped mummy and daddy in whatever they were doing. Not long after Ebony and I headed home for a bath and got ready to go out to dinner at 'The Bogong Hotel' - it was a lovely night and Ebony was very well behaved and, after staying in her highchair for over an hour, she decided it was time to entertain everyone else in the Hotel! I took great delight in watching her interact with others. It was really fun. We then headed home, took a couple of photo's and Eb went to bed while we relaxed for a while.
Nothing spectacular - just a beautiful memorable family day doing what we love and getting our home ready to move in - hopefully this weekend or next!
Ebony is growing and changing every single day. She is so much fun - I said to Gra yesterday morning that I think she's going to be quite a character and she seems to have a real sense of humour - that will be good for us all! Here's some of our fun photo's!
Then it was off to Church where we experienced a beautiful heartfelt and very emotional message from our Pastor and 2 of his girls - it was very touching.
Then the fun started...we headed home for lunch, then donned our outdoor clothes and headed to the new home....just the 3 of us - and planted plants! Yep! it was great fun. Ebony slept for 2 1/2 hours while I worked in the garden and then we she woke she helped mummy and daddy in whatever they were doing. Not long after Ebony and I headed home for a bath and got ready to go out to dinner at 'The Bogong Hotel' - it was a lovely night and Ebony was very well behaved and, after staying in her highchair for over an hour, she decided it was time to entertain everyone else in the Hotel! I took great delight in watching her interact with others. It was really fun. We then headed home, took a couple of photo's and Eb went to bed while we relaxed for a while.
Nothing spectacular - just a beautiful memorable family day doing what we love and getting our home ready to move in - hopefully this weekend or next!
Ebony is growing and changing every single day. She is so much fun - I said to Gra yesterday morning that I think she's going to be quite a character and she seems to have a real sense of humour - that will be good for us all! Here's some of our fun photo's!
My girl
I'll be doing a Mothers Day post straight after this one...but wanted to share some more of my 'joys'.
Ebony is still very much a mummy's girl at the moment (very appropriate for Mothers Day!). I love it :)
She is just a joy to be with and we fill our days with so much fun. She still, constantly, wants to be "ub" and I just do it whenever I can. She's now back to doing Hip, hip 'hooray' and lifts her hands above her head. She still loves 'Twinkle, twinkle and is often saying 'ubabov' so we can sing with her.
She loves music and will 'dance' as soon as it's on - so, so cute to watch.
She's taken to 'launching' of the top step of our external stairs as soon as I head up them to pick her up (after putting all the 'stuff' in the car!) - so cute, but a little dangerous - not sure how to stop this one.
She loves 'run, run, run' when we chase her.
One of my greatest joys at the moment is when she is a bit unsure, or upset, she will cuddle into me including tucking her hands under her body against my chest. Melts my heart! She's giving kisses with a bit of encouragement.
She is wearing her hair up a lot these days and is very good at leaving it that way remarkably!
She's sleeping beautifully during the day - regardless of where she is - here or at the new home. 2-3 hours without fail. Praise God!
She cries out most nights, a number of times, but not enough to get me up. Not sure what that's all about at this stage.
She still loves her veggies and really dislikes anything tinned! Can't complain really. She also loves chicken, meat and fish. Wow! how lucky am I?
She's beginning to enjoy cleaning her teeth (well sort of!).
What else? uhmmm....
so many things, but can't think at the moment :)
I know I say it often, but I'm so besotted and overwhelmed at God's goodness in giving me the perfect little girl for me. She is strong willed, but I pray that will turn out the right way! She sings her little heart out in the car - loves people so much - enjoys the other children at playgroup - LOVES her daddy..the list goes on.
Well, I'll let you just enjoy some more photo's in the meantime ....she's still in some size 0's and fast moving into 1's. She still about 11kg by our scales - so not much weight gain, but plenty of height! The 'hair' one is after I took her 'pigtails' out and after she'd had a sleep - gotta love it!
Ebony is still very much a mummy's girl at the moment (very appropriate for Mothers Day!). I love it :)
She is just a joy to be with and we fill our days with so much fun. She still, constantly, wants to be "ub" and I just do it whenever I can. She's now back to doing Hip, hip 'hooray' and lifts her hands above her head. She still loves 'Twinkle, twinkle and is often saying 'ubabov' so we can sing with her.
She loves music and will 'dance' as soon as it's on - so, so cute to watch.
She's taken to 'launching' of the top step of our external stairs as soon as I head up them to pick her up (after putting all the 'stuff' in the car!) - so cute, but a little dangerous - not sure how to stop this one.
She loves 'run, run, run' when we chase her.
One of my greatest joys at the moment is when she is a bit unsure, or upset, she will cuddle into me including tucking her hands under her body against my chest. Melts my heart! She's giving kisses with a bit of encouragement.
She is wearing her hair up a lot these days and is very good at leaving it that way remarkably!
She's sleeping beautifully during the day - regardless of where she is - here or at the new home. 2-3 hours without fail. Praise God!
She cries out most nights, a number of times, but not enough to get me up. Not sure what that's all about at this stage.
She still loves her veggies and really dislikes anything tinned! Can't complain really. She also loves chicken, meat and fish. Wow! how lucky am I?
She's beginning to enjoy cleaning her teeth (well sort of!).
What else? uhmmm....
so many things, but can't think at the moment :)
I know I say it often, but I'm so besotted and overwhelmed at God's goodness in giving me the perfect little girl for me. She is strong willed, but I pray that will turn out the right way! She sings her little heart out in the car - loves people so much - enjoys the other children at playgroup - LOVES her daddy..the list goes on.
Well, I'll let you just enjoy some more photo's in the meantime ....she's still in some size 0's and fast moving into 1's. She still about 11kg by our scales - so not much weight gain, but plenty of height! The 'hair' one is after I took her 'pigtails' out and after she'd had a sleep - gotta love it!
Thursday, May 10, 2007
The Suixi (swayshi) girls reunion......
Well, what a weekend it was.
We stayed with Mei's mummy and daddy (Ruth and Chris) Friday and Saturday night. Unfortunately Ebony hadn't had much sleep on Thursday night because we went to friends place for a beautiful dinner - then Friday was VERY late - she didn't get to bed until 11.30PM! latest night ever since being with us.
We woke Saturday morning (normal time) and helped Ruth for a while - then Ebony had a sleep and I went and did a little shopping (how I miss city shopping!).
When I returned Ebony was still asleep - and then the others started to arrive.
When Ebony woke I had to dress her ready for the day - all a bit of a rush, but fun anyway.
It was such a great day - with lots of fun times for the girls. They all did so well - played either together or near each other most of the time. Ruth and Chris did an outstanding job, with their deck almost complete for the day. There was food supplied by everyone - but I have to give credit to Mandy Moo for her fabulous 'tea cups'.....
It was also 'fun' to try to get another 'group' photo like we did in China!!!!! 6 girls between 16 and 20 months....photo!!! you have to be kidding....this was about the best I could do. I've also added a photo of the 6 girls on the famous 'red couch' in china on 3/1/07 for you all to compare!
Well, our weekend continued on from there and we didn't get home until Monday lunchtime - but it was well worth it. We got to spend good time with Ruth, Chris and Mei - Mei was in the cot directly beside Ebony - which will always be special to us.
Fun was had by all - the 'fish ponds' that surround the deck at Ruth and Chris's got a few extra fingers and toes in them (even Mandy Moo's) and the new deck got a good try out. The rain held out and it was just great to see everyone doing so well and obviously so happy as their new 'forever families'.....
It was also lovely to see our 'education session' buddies - Aislinn who arrived home to Australia in September 06 and newly home "Pearl Chun Ni" join us....here is a photo of Sandi and Aislinn....
We stayed with Mei's mummy and daddy (Ruth and Chris) Friday and Saturday night. Unfortunately Ebony hadn't had much sleep on Thursday night because we went to friends place for a beautiful dinner - then Friday was VERY late - she didn't get to bed until 11.30PM! latest night ever since being with us.
We woke Saturday morning (normal time) and helped Ruth for a while - then Ebony had a sleep and I went and did a little shopping (how I miss city shopping!).
When I returned Ebony was still asleep - and then the others started to arrive.
When Ebony woke I had to dress her ready for the day - all a bit of a rush, but fun anyway.
It was such a great day - with lots of fun times for the girls. They all did so well - played either together or near each other most of the time. Ruth and Chris did an outstanding job, with their deck almost complete for the day. There was food supplied by everyone - but I have to give credit to Mandy Moo for her fabulous 'tea cups'.....
It was also 'fun' to try to get another 'group' photo like we did in China!!!!! 6 girls between 16 and 20 months....photo!!! you have to be kidding....this was about the best I could do. I've also added a photo of the 6 girls on the famous 'red couch' in china on 3/1/07 for you all to compare!
Well, our weekend continued on from there and we didn't get home until Monday lunchtime - but it was well worth it. We got to spend good time with Ruth, Chris and Mei - Mei was in the cot directly beside Ebony - which will always be special to us.
Fun was had by all - the 'fish ponds' that surround the deck at Ruth and Chris's got a few extra fingers and toes in them (even Mandy Moo's) and the new deck got a good try out. The rain held out and it was just great to see everyone doing so well and obviously so happy as their new 'forever families'.....
It was also lovely to see our 'education session' buddies - Aislinn who arrived home to Australia in September 06 and newly home "Pearl Chun Ni" join us....here is a photo of Sandi and Aislinn....
Contemplating Mothers Day...
So, so many sad Mothers Day gone by - what will this one mean? I have a dear friend who lost her mum 3 years ago and I'd never before thought of the sadness of Mothers Day without my mum. My friend has suffered a double dose of pain over the past 3 years as she, like me, has traveled the road of adoption - this year she celebrates her first Mothers Day as a mum - but without her mum. Her special day will still be tinged with sadness. I guess one day I will have to face Mothers Day without my mum - but I hope not soon.
Graham and I were talking about buying me something special for Mothers Day - something to remember the day with. I went away for a couple of days and today I said to him - 'I really - really don't need anything - you have given me the best Mothers Day present you could ever have given me by giving me Ebony.' I couldn't have done it without him. I don't need another thing - she's it and she will always be the reason I now celebrate Mothers Day.
I don't think I will ever forget the pain of years gone by - even now, when I see a 'Mothers Day' advertisement on TV it takes me back. I'm sure the years will slowly wash away that pain. I'm looking forward to just celebrating this amazing occasion - at the age of 47 - with my husband and my daughter.
Now for my little Ebony. Gosh she is growing fast...and changing. She's so totally beautiful and so much fun to be around. She's still not saying a lot, but I know that will come. She's experimenting a lot with sounds and she is definitely comprehending even more. At the moment she loves "up" and says it more clearly now. She loves 'run, run, run' when I chase her around the house and we both fall over together giggling. Yes! she giggles and I LOVE it - it sounds SO cute! She now says "mow" cow too (how cute is that!) She still gets incredibly excited morning and night when she knows her bottle is on the way and LOVES her bath! She is sleeping incredibly well - has averaged 2 1/2 - 3 hours during the day most days this week - and two of those have been at the new house while I've worked in the garden. I've been amazed because we have sheep/geese/roosters beside us (right near her window) and I've had to keep the window open so I know when she wakes) and she has still slept almost 3 hours there! Amazing child. Maybe it's another growth spurt! She is just starting to 'stack' things too - not just destruct anymore. She still loves outside and loves it when Daddy comes home.
We had a big weekend with a get together of the 6 Suixi (Orphanage) girls. I think the mummy's in particular were actually looking forward to the day more than the girls !?! - but it was more wonderful than words can express to see the other girls and how well they are growing and developing. It's gorgeous. I just wish we lived a little closer! I'll post more info in the next post.
Graham and I were talking about buying me something special for Mothers Day - something to remember the day with. I went away for a couple of days and today I said to him - 'I really - really don't need anything - you have given me the best Mothers Day present you could ever have given me by giving me Ebony.' I couldn't have done it without him. I don't need another thing - she's it and she will always be the reason I now celebrate Mothers Day.
I don't think I will ever forget the pain of years gone by - even now, when I see a 'Mothers Day' advertisement on TV it takes me back. I'm sure the years will slowly wash away that pain. I'm looking forward to just celebrating this amazing occasion - at the age of 47 - with my husband and my daughter.
Now for my little Ebony. Gosh she is growing fast...and changing. She's so totally beautiful and so much fun to be around. She's still not saying a lot, but I know that will come. She's experimenting a lot with sounds and she is definitely comprehending even more. At the moment she loves "up" and says it more clearly now. She loves 'run, run, run' when I chase her around the house and we both fall over together giggling. Yes! she giggles and I LOVE it - it sounds SO cute! She now says "mow" cow too (how cute is that!) She still gets incredibly excited morning and night when she knows her bottle is on the way and LOVES her bath! She is sleeping incredibly well - has averaged 2 1/2 - 3 hours during the day most days this week - and two of those have been at the new house while I've worked in the garden. I've been amazed because we have sheep/geese/roosters beside us (right near her window) and I've had to keep the window open so I know when she wakes) and she has still slept almost 3 hours there! Amazing child. Maybe it's another growth spurt! She is just starting to 'stack' things too - not just destruct anymore. She still loves outside and loves it when Daddy comes home.
We had a big weekend with a get together of the 6 Suixi (Orphanage) girls. I think the mummy's in particular were actually looking forward to the day more than the girls !?! - but it was more wonderful than words can express to see the other girls and how well they are growing and developing. It's gorgeous. I just wish we lived a little closer! I'll post more info in the next post.
Thursday, May 03, 2007
We're nearly there ... an update on our new home!
Yes! finally - I'm so sorry to all who have been asking for pictures! I've been just a little distracted :)
Our new home is getting SO close - finally. We hope to start the move in on the 19th May - that's nearly 2 weeks away! It's such an awesome feeling. Anyway - I'm sure you're more interested in photo's - so here they are....enjoy!
Our new home is getting SO close - finally. We hope to start the move in on the 19th May - that's nearly 2 weeks away! It's such an awesome feeling. Anyway - I'm sure you're more interested in photo's - so here they are....enjoy!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Ebonyisms.....
What are the things that tell me about who Ebony is (at the moment....)
* at the moment her 'pup' (up) melts my heart and I can't do anything BUT pick her up!
* in the car she will suddenly say 'huh' with a beautiful smile on her face (you have to be there to understand - it's a fun 'huh' not a bad 'huh').
* 'boo' behind her hands - SOOOO cute - she'll put her hand over her eyes (I'll try and get a photo) and then let her hand down and expect you to say 'boo'- not her!
* 'ubabov' - complete with hand movements when she wants me to sing 'twinkle twinkle'
* gotcha - something I play with her where I grab her beautiful little hands in a rush and say 'gotcha'. Today I said gotcha about something else and she started making hand motions like when I 'gotcha' her hands!
* the tears than form in her little beautiful deep eyes when I (try to!) tell her off!
* the way she wakes in the mornings and 'chats' to herself for up to an hour....happily! (and this morning said mumum and dadad and just hummed to herself). Very different from the baby that used to wake up crying all the time....and how happy she is when we go into her.
* how she loves her wheetbix and Vegemite toast
* How she wanders around happily in the mornings - picking up toys and playing for a while, then walking around more - occasionally watching the tv if it's on - but never for long
* how she now walks us to the bath or the highchair when we mention them
* how excited she gets when she sees her daddy
* ....yet at the moment she's mummy's girl (at long last!)
* how much she LOVES going outside
* how excited she gets when she knows we're going out (when I say brrrrooomm)
* how she says 'moo' for a cow and 'woo' for a dog
* how EVERYTHING is ta - especially first thing in the morning when we get her out of her cot and she just wants us to take her to everything in sight and point to things.
* how, at times, Ebony just cuddles the floor! nothing's wrong - she just does it
* how she responds to 'gentle'. One of the first things we had to teach Ebony was 'gentle' - she had no idea and would scratch or whack us in the face without warning. Not in anger - just because. Now she puts her hand on our face and gently runs her beautiful hand over our face - it's so precious.
so many beautiful things to remember....oh and she still loves her vegetables and creamed rice/custard/ham/soy&linseed biscuits/apple. She doesn't like strawberries and bananas that aren't 'just right'!
Here's some photo's for you...I have to say I LOVE the one of her yawning..how cute!
* at the moment her 'pup' (up) melts my heart and I can't do anything BUT pick her up!
* in the car she will suddenly say 'huh' with a beautiful smile on her face (you have to be there to understand - it's a fun 'huh' not a bad 'huh').
* 'boo' behind her hands - SOOOO cute - she'll put her hand over her eyes (I'll try and get a photo) and then let her hand down and expect you to say 'boo'- not her!
* 'ubabov' - complete with hand movements when she wants me to sing 'twinkle twinkle'
* gotcha - something I play with her where I grab her beautiful little hands in a rush and say 'gotcha'. Today I said gotcha about something else and she started making hand motions like when I 'gotcha' her hands!
* the tears than form in her little beautiful deep eyes when I (try to!) tell her off!
* the way she wakes in the mornings and 'chats' to herself for up to an hour....happily! (and this morning said mumum and dadad and just hummed to herself). Very different from the baby that used to wake up crying all the time....and how happy she is when we go into her.
* how she loves her wheetbix and Vegemite toast
* How she wanders around happily in the mornings - picking up toys and playing for a while, then walking around more - occasionally watching the tv if it's on - but never for long
* how she now walks us to the bath or the highchair when we mention them
* how excited she gets when she sees her daddy
* ....yet at the moment she's mummy's girl (at long last!)
* how much she LOVES going outside
* how excited she gets when she knows we're going out (when I say brrrrooomm)
* how she says 'moo' for a cow and 'woo' for a dog
* how EVERYTHING is ta - especially first thing in the morning when we get her out of her cot and she just wants us to take her to everything in sight and point to things.
* how, at times, Ebony just cuddles the floor! nothing's wrong - she just does it
* how she responds to 'gentle'. One of the first things we had to teach Ebony was 'gentle' - she had no idea and would scratch or whack us in the face without warning. Not in anger - just because. Now she puts her hand on our face and gently runs her beautiful hand over our face - it's so precious.
so many beautiful things to remember....oh and she still loves her vegetables and creamed rice/custard/ham/soy&linseed biscuits/apple. She doesn't like strawberries and bananas that aren't 'just right'!
Here's some photo's for you...I have to say I LOVE the one of her yawning..how cute!
Monday, April 23, 2007
Ebonys thoughts on camping........
FUN....FUN....FUN....FUN.......~Mummy asked me to write this time 'cause she reckons I've had more fun than she's ever seen. Now let me think. We left Friday and daddy wasn't sure where we were going (?). Mummy and daddy were a bit stressed because we got away later than they wanted - but once they decided where we were going...and we arrived all was well...that was until mummy discovered that they had no pillows! Oh well, luckily she got over that quickly!!! We went to a place 20kms south of Mitta Mitta just off the Omeo Highway. It was such a great place - right beside a creek with lots of room for me to run around. I couldn't see a thing when we got there 'cause it was dark...so we had dinner (veggies yum yum) and went to sleep (or at least I did). I slept really well, all cosy in my red Kathmandu suit...until 3.15am. I had to wake mummy and daddy - just 'cause I did :) They put me into bed with them (yippee) and we all slept together until about 6.45am when I decided it was time for us all to get up. It was really, really cold - but I got warm quickly when I ran around and around and around. By 9am I was ready for a nap when we went for a walk - so I slept in my pusher - but only for about an hour then it was time for more exploring and fun. Daddy met some other guys so mummy and I just played together. Then I decided it was time for another sleep so I slept (and so did daddy) while mummy relaxed and took some photo's. When I woke up I decided it was time for a swim - mummy and daddy couldn't believe I wanted to go in the water - but why not? After about 20 minutes I decided they were probably right and my feet and hands were really cold - so mummy bathed me and then it was more play time - and lots of time with my daddy. We went and collected some wood and built a fire...that was fun to watch - but gee it was hot if I got too close (which mummy and daddy kept watching out for all the time). I also had fun playing with the big bogong moths! (mummy couldn't believe that I would actually hold them....she had something about my pulling their wings off but I'm not sure why!) It was a great day filled with lots of fun and I was REALLY tired so I went to bed at about 7.30pm....mummy and daddy weren't that far behind. I decided that 6am was a good wake up time and this time there was no going into bed with mummy and daddy - it was time to get up! too much fun to have outside! Brekky then a walk, then daddy wanted to try out some more fishing - so I wanted to play in the creek while he did that! Then it was time for me to have more sleep - mummy said I slept for almost 2 hours - guess it's 'cause I had ran around SO much and had SO much fun. I found some really fun stuff to play with and went to show daddy and mummy. They both started laughing and laughing - I didn't know what was happening. They said something about cow poo?
I didn't like it when mummy and daddy started to pack things away. I thought this was our new home and I wanted to stay - but I'm too little and I just couldn't stop them....even though I tried REALLY HARD. Anyway mummy waited until we were all packed then gave me another bath and changed me out of my 'fun' clothes and into some thing she called 'more respectable'. Not sure what that means! Then it was back 'home' - and I was glad to be there where all my toys are. I just hope we get to go to the other 'home' again soon! Mummy said she'd put on some photo's so you could all smile. Till next time xxx
I didn't like it when mummy and daddy started to pack things away. I thought this was our new home and I wanted to stay - but I'm too little and I just couldn't stop them....even though I tried REALLY HARD. Anyway mummy waited until we were all packed then gave me another bath and changed me out of my 'fun' clothes and into some thing she called 'more respectable'. Not sure what that means! Then it was back 'home' - and I was glad to be there where all my toys are. I just hope we get to go to the other 'home' again soon! Mummy said she'd put on some photo's so you could all smile. Till next time xxx
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Growing ub (that's how Ebony says 'up')
What an amazing week or so it has been. After the trauma of my last post we have been to Geelong for the weekend for Graham's son Daniel's wedding. Ebony was beautifully looked after by my Brother, Sister-in-law and their two girls and everything went so well until Beccy accidentally woke Ebony while we were gone and I had to make a dash back to the Caravan Park where we were staying to get her sobs under control and get her back to sleep. I don't know that I can express that feeling of driving as quickly as is legal to get to her knowing she was distressed and then the overwhelming feeling of having her handed to me so upset and calming down straight away. It was a sad kinda beautiful....I'm sure most will understand.
We also had a visit to the Speech Therapist last week and she must have hit 'the switch' 'cause Ebony hasn't looked back (either that or spending time with her cousins on Saturday!). She's now clearly (and finally!) saying mumumum (yipee!), ub, almost Amen, starting to try and sing along to 'twinkle, twinkle little star', still clearly saying dad, nana and ta. I also asked her tonight if she wanted her bath and she took my hand and led me to the bath! She's a smart little girl that's for sure.
So much development and change happening. I'm now really seeing signs of a toddler and it feels like it's happening overnight. I'm not ready - and yet I am. This is such a gorgeous stage and I'm just loving watching Ebony change and blossom into a beautiful little girl. She says 'ta' for almost everything...although she doesn't always get what she asks for! She's still sleeping really well - 12 hours overnight and 1-2 during the day. She LOVES outside - we have a real outdoors girl - which is great considering we are both outdoors people. We're actually planning to take her on her first 'camping weekend' this weekend. I'll post when we return home.
By the way...did I mention she LOVES outdoors! Enjoy some photo's of my little best friend....they are of Ebony at the local winery where we were with friends - Ebony and I just before Dan's wedding - Ebony on the deck at our current home and Ebony having lunch on the kitchen bench at the new house.
We also had a visit to the Speech Therapist last week and she must have hit 'the switch' 'cause Ebony hasn't looked back (either that or spending time with her cousins on Saturday!). She's now clearly (and finally!) saying mumumum (yipee!), ub, almost Amen, starting to try and sing along to 'twinkle, twinkle little star', still clearly saying dad, nana and ta. I also asked her tonight if she wanted her bath and she took my hand and led me to the bath! She's a smart little girl that's for sure.
So much development and change happening. I'm now really seeing signs of a toddler and it feels like it's happening overnight. I'm not ready - and yet I am. This is such a gorgeous stage and I'm just loving watching Ebony change and blossom into a beautiful little girl. She says 'ta' for almost everything...although she doesn't always get what she asks for! She's still sleeping really well - 12 hours overnight and 1-2 during the day. She LOVES outside - we have a real outdoors girl - which is great considering we are both outdoors people. We're actually planning to take her on her first 'camping weekend' this weekend. I'll post when we return home.
By the way...did I mention she LOVES outdoors! Enjoy some photo's of my little best friend....they are of Ebony at the local winery where we were with friends - Ebony and I just before Dan's wedding - Ebony on the deck at our current home and Ebony having lunch on the kitchen bench at the new house.
My hands.....your hands
.big hands - little hands
.long fingernails - short fingernails
.adorned - not adorned
.wrinkled skin - plump skin
.pinkish skin - yellowish skin
.wise hands - innocent hands
.busy hands - active hands
.slim big hands - chubby tiny hands
.working hands - playing hands
.careful hands - carefree hands
.caring hands - trusting hands
.loving hands - loving hands
written by mummy
Monday, April 09, 2007
Love....
I've had a very difficult week with Ebony and I feel to share this with others who are waiting - because to hide it would not be helpful.
2 times in this last week Ebony has woken from sleep during the night and has been inconsolable - she has not wanted me to touch her, talk to her, sing to her anything. If I did pick her up she still didn't want to be comforted and if I tried to put her down she would scream louder. Then on Saturday it happened at her daytime sleep. She was almost asleep when I tried to creep out of the room - she woke and then it started. It was awful and words can't describe the feelings I went through for the next hour or so. At first I was a bit cross with her because I honestly thought she was fighting sleep - but as the minutes unfolded I found it wasn't that at all. She was having some kind of 'terror' happening. Some call it sleep terrors. It's common when a child has been home about 3 months and it is incredibly sad to watch and I felt so helpless. At some point God gave me a picture of what was happening in Ebony's heart and I ended up sobbing myself (this was after about an hour + of her screaming) - it was my tears that seemed to soothe Ebony and within 10 minutes she was asleep on my chest as I lay on my bed. She was still sobbing in her sleep (as was I). It was horrible, but it has certainly given me a taste of how desperate her grief must be. I spoke to my friend and mentor later that night and she said it can be because Ebony is now really beginning to trust us - but with that trust comes much uncertainty. It's Monday now and it hasn't happened again - although she is still unsettled as she sleeps.
Thankfully I'm old enough (or wise enough or something!) to know this isn't a reflection of my/our parenting - and that's what I want to say to those reading this and waiting. If this happens to you, it's not your fault. It's part of your child settling in and is fairly common. I'm not sure if any of the other 5 girls that we traveled with are struggling with the same issue - I'll find out soon enough I guess.
2 times in this last week Ebony has woken from sleep during the night and has been inconsolable - she has not wanted me to touch her, talk to her, sing to her anything. If I did pick her up she still didn't want to be comforted and if I tried to put her down she would scream louder. Then on Saturday it happened at her daytime sleep. She was almost asleep when I tried to creep out of the room - she woke and then it started. It was awful and words can't describe the feelings I went through for the next hour or so. At first I was a bit cross with her because I honestly thought she was fighting sleep - but as the minutes unfolded I found it wasn't that at all. She was having some kind of 'terror' happening. Some call it sleep terrors. It's common when a child has been home about 3 months and it is incredibly sad to watch and I felt so helpless. At some point God gave me a picture of what was happening in Ebony's heart and I ended up sobbing myself (this was after about an hour + of her screaming) - it was my tears that seemed to soothe Ebony and within 10 minutes she was asleep on my chest as I lay on my bed. She was still sobbing in her sleep (as was I). It was horrible, but it has certainly given me a taste of how desperate her grief must be. I spoke to my friend and mentor later that night and she said it can be because Ebony is now really beginning to trust us - but with that trust comes much uncertainty. It's Monday now and it hasn't happened again - although she is still unsettled as she sleeps.
Thankfully I'm old enough (or wise enough or something!) to know this isn't a reflection of my/our parenting - and that's what I want to say to those reading this and waiting. If this happens to you, it's not your fault. It's part of your child settling in and is fairly common. I'm not sure if any of the other 5 girls that we traveled with are struggling with the same issue - I'll find out soon enough I guess.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
....I meant to say
3rd entry for today! I thought you might enjoy seeing the magnificent eyelashes my daughter has been blessed with....not something that is common in China to my understanding!......
And now for an Ebony update too!
I've just done an entry on the progress of the home - so 2 entries today.
What can I say about my little girl????? She gave me another kiss this morning....such joy for me!...a week between them, but I don't care :) She continues to give hugs (when she feels like it) and she is still only saying a few words...although I think she's adding 'up' to that.
She's also climbing heaps! and on everything...very normal I'm sure, but also very frightening at times!
We traveled to my Mum and Dad in Lakes Entrance on the weekend - left Friday and returned Monday. We all had a wonderful - relaxing time together. Ebony got to go for lovely walks with her Pa and, although she was a bit slower to come around to Nan - it's only a matter of time. If we'd had one more day I think it would have made the difference. I know she will come to adore both of them.
Ebony has grown 3.5cm and put on .5kg since we received her - looks like she could be tallish by Chinese standards. I feel like she's growing before my eyes (obviously!). Already clothes I love aren't fitting as well. Welcome to motherhood again.
We visited the local Maternal Health Nurse last Thursday - 2 days after Ebony turned 19 months and Sue is very happy with her. She wants me to concentrate on her fine motor skills with her hands - so we've been working on that. We joined the toy library so we have access to lots of lovely toys now.
Ebony's still not really well - she's on her second lot of antibiotics for a chesty cold - (how horrible is it forcefully giving a child oral drops!!!!!) she hates it and so do I.
Ebony is an absolutely wonderful sleeper - she has slept 10am to noon and then 3.15 to 5 today...most ever. She still sleeps about 12 hours overnight and around 2 during the day. She's starting to wake at night a bit (crying or even screaming last night) - this could be the beginning of 'night terrors' - something many adopted children suffer from.
Well - it's time to let you enjoy some photo's. I'm sure there's more to report - but it's time to make dinner for my family. xxx
What can I say about my little girl????? She gave me another kiss this morning....such joy for me!...a week between them, but I don't care :) She continues to give hugs (when she feels like it) and she is still only saying a few words...although I think she's adding 'up' to that.
She's also climbing heaps! and on everything...very normal I'm sure, but also very frightening at times!
We traveled to my Mum and Dad in Lakes Entrance on the weekend - left Friday and returned Monday. We all had a wonderful - relaxing time together. Ebony got to go for lovely walks with her Pa and, although she was a bit slower to come around to Nan - it's only a matter of time. If we'd had one more day I think it would have made the difference. I know she will come to adore both of them.
Ebony has grown 3.5cm and put on .5kg since we received her - looks like she could be tallish by Chinese standards. I feel like she's growing before my eyes (obviously!). Already clothes I love aren't fitting as well. Welcome to motherhood again.
We visited the local Maternal Health Nurse last Thursday - 2 days after Ebony turned 19 months and Sue is very happy with her. She wants me to concentrate on her fine motor skills with her hands - so we've been working on that. We joined the toy library so we have access to lots of lovely toys now.
Ebony's still not really well - she's on her second lot of antibiotics for a chesty cold - (how horrible is it forcefully giving a child oral drops!!!!!) she hates it and so do I.
Ebony is an absolutely wonderful sleeper - she has slept 10am to noon and then 3.15 to 5 today...most ever. She still sleeps about 12 hours overnight and around 2 during the day. She's starting to wake at night a bit (crying or even screaming last night) - this could be the beginning of 'night terrors' - something many adopted children suffer from.
Well - it's time to let you enjoy some photo's. I'm sure there's more to report - but it's time to make dinner for my family. xxx
Building progressing...
Yes - a quick update on our home.
The tiler is working away as I write. I feel like we are finally getting close to the end. He thinks he will be there (floor and wall tiles) until Easter - after that we have the electrician and painter (and plumber Graham) to finish their bits - then the carpet and window coverings - balustrade, mirrors, shower screens and cupboard fitouts to do and we could move in. Sounds like a lot when I put it that way actually - but it feels so much closer! We really believe we'll be in by the end of April but we'll see. To look at, it feels much more 'finished'. Anyway here are some photo's - it's very slow at this stage and nothing much changes for photo's - that's why I haven't written as much....that and a little excuse named "Ebony" :)
The tiler is working away as I write. I feel like we are finally getting close to the end. He thinks he will be there (floor and wall tiles) until Easter - after that we have the electrician and painter (and plumber Graham) to finish their bits - then the carpet and window coverings - balustrade, mirrors, shower screens and cupboard fitouts to do and we could move in. Sounds like a lot when I put it that way actually - but it feels so much closer! We really believe we'll be in by the end of April but we'll see. To look at, it feels much more 'finished'. Anyway here are some photo's - it's very slow at this stage and nothing much changes for photo's - that's why I haven't written as much....that and a little excuse named "Ebony" :)
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