Home for Six Months

Can you believe it??  In a way, it feels like yesterday that we made that interminable trans-Pacific flight, bringing our little girl home to the farm.  Then again, it also seems as though she's been here much longer.  The first five months are really kind of a blur to me, what with the sleep deprivation and stress of trying to figure out how to get Sarah to sleep through the night.  Things are settling into place now, though. 

The last week has been so smooth.  Sarah seems even happier than before, and I think we've really gelled as a family.  I feel more relaxed than I have in years.  The dream is finally reality -- we are a loving, happy family on five acres!  No more waiting, or second-guessing, or worrying about sleep or attachment.  This mom gig will be a breeze from here on out!  (My tongue is firmly planted in my cheek as I type this.)

China requires follow-up reports after children are in their new homes for six months and 12 months.  On Friday, we drove to Madis*n to meet with our social worker Anne so that she can write a glowing account of our familial bliss.  As luck would have it, Sarah was having digestive problems on the drive there, and they continued throughout our hour-long appointment.  She spent most of the time whimpering and signing "hurt" and "potty."  She certainly was NOT her usual contented self. 

She and I made two trips to the bathroom, with no success, while Dad talked about how happy and healthy she is, all appearances to the contrary.  Fortunately, Anne knows us pretty well and was only concerned about Sarah's immediate comfort.  Soon after we left her office, Sarah was feeling much better.  Maybe she just didn't appreciate being judged. 

We spent Friday night with Emily, Omar, and Sophia.  Sarah was surprisingly relaxed and seemed right at home, although she's never been there.  I think she's seen her sister and niece enough now that she feels comfortable.  She was fascinated with Sophia this time and kept smiling and touching her hands.  Sophia (21 months old now) was a little taken aback but warmed up pretty quickly. 

Sophia is still much more nimble than Sarah, who has to concentrate on her walking, but they seemed to truly enjoy each other's company this time.  It was such fun watching them eat meals beside each other and share snacks (most of their relationship seems to be based on food at present).  It won't be long before they are running around together and having all sorts of adventures.

Believe it or not, Sarah now loves the car.  She asks to go for rides (by signing) and is quite content in her car seat (even without food).  When we buckle her into her five-point harness, she leans forward a few times and grunts, as if making sure she's secure.  Yesterday, she slept for about 1.5 hours on the way home.  I think we'll be ready for a drive back East this summer.  :)

Sarah and I are off to the grocery store to buy the makings of tonight's Valentine's Day/Chinese New Year dinner.  We're having shrimp fried rice timbale, asparagus, and salmon.  We'll enjoy it as a family, a fusion meal, if there ever was one.