Ahna , almost 16 months.
Three months ago yesterday, this little angel became a physical member of our Forever Family. And today she is not the same. Neither are we.
She has brought so many smiles, so much joy and laughter into our home.
The little babe who could not pick ANYTHING up with her fingers or hands, now grabs everything in sight and explores every inch of it.
Her lazy, slumped posture has become more upright and much stronger. She has gone from scooting a little on her belly, to crawling slowly on her hands and knees, and then to crawling so quickly that we can't keep up with her!
As the photo implies, she now stands solidly on her own, and is even trying to take 2 or 3 steps. She LOVES to fall over into Mama's or Daddy's arms!
Her face literally lights up when her brothers get home from school and greet her. She is always at the ready with her "mockingbird" face on, to show them all her silly looks and make them laugh.
She is still quite wary (sometimes downright afraid) of strangers, but is becoming more and more comfortable with friends and family who she comes in contact with.
One of our biggest hurdles has been that she has a fairly significant oral aversion. For weeks she allowed nothing, except her bottle of formula or her thumb, near her face or mouth. After several weeks of playing "face and food games," she has decided that she will try to eat pureed food. She had learned that every time we sat down to eat we would all say "Mmmmm, Mmmmmm," to help her understand that food is a good thing. So, almost every time she sees anyone eating, she makes the same excited "Mmmmm, Mmmmm," sound. So sweet. She is still not willing to bring food purposefully to her own mouth, and still gags alot with anything that has texture, but we are thrilled that she has at least begun to take 'baby steps' toward eating.
She is so affectionate! We in this family are daily recipients of her snuggly hugs and her wet kisses. It has been astounding to watch the transformation from the baby who wouldn't even turn towards us when we were holding her, during those first days.
Love is a beautiful thing.
11 comments:
Ahna has made amazing progress in 3short months! You can even see the change in her pictures...she is not the scared little girl you all met in China. You can see that she is feeling much more secure....what a precious little angel...you are so blessed!
My favorite part of the day is when Nick comes home from school and Sarah realized that he has walked in. She goes running across the room to give him a big hug and a kiss....screaming his name along the way! It makes my heart sing!
Cindi,
I'm so glad you are able to 'catch up' on the blog a bit! It is a joy for us to read about and experience your journey in this way. The new pictures are gorgeous! Your words, still inspiring. Ahna is truly growing leaps and bounds because of the unrelenting love you guys have given her. Thanks for persevering in this task. It's a blessing to all of us! We love each of you!
Oh my, what a journey. I am so thrilled that you are back to posting. I love to see the progress she is making since we can't be there to see it.(which REALLY stinks by the way). I love the picture of her, she is sooo precious.
Your familiy's love for one another is the beautiful thing....when you feel loved you thrive, and she is! I was very happy to finally get to see her in the flesh ;0) She is just sooo precious, what fun that she brings you all such joy!
She is just beautiful!! I cant believe it has been 3 months already. She is just amazingly cute and she is progressing so well!! I am so impressed!! I am so happy she fits like a glove with your fmaily!! she is perfect!!
Christy :)
Such a great picture...congrats on three months together with your little beauty Ahna!
Cindi,
Ahna is so beautiful! I cannot believe my eyes when I think back to China. Talk about a transformation! Thank you for following Jordyn's journey and for your sweet comments! I think about you all often and I'm eternally grateful for the help you gave us - you especially Jacob! Your blog is wonderful - you are quite the writer! Looking forward to watching your precious Ahna grow.
Love, Kim
Wow -- what a huge change in such a short amount of time. I'm sure you are all so proud of all of her progress. Good job Ahna and good job to your family too! What an amazing daughter and sister she is and sounds like she has some pretty amazing brothers and parents too! Have a good weekend.
Janet
Well..I must say, I am absolutely hooked on your blog! She is so beautiful and your family is abundantly blessed to have eachother.
What a sweet post! Happy 3 months together! You are sooo blessed!
She is beautiful. It sounds like Ahna is adjusting fabulously! My Jane spit almost everything out and I was worried, but a year and a half later she is will try anything and loves many things!
Thanks for visiting!
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