I never thought I would be adding to this blog, but I felt that I had to say a few words about Jaina's progress. She has left babyhood behind for the whirlwind that is toddlerhood. Jaina is into everything! If there is anything that can be gained access to, you can bet you'll find her there. Her new name is Jaina-no. She is naturally inquisitive--opens cabinet doors and drawers, rummages through boxes, pulls things out--and rarely puts them back. I just follow her around picking things up only to see them out a half hour later. You know where Jaina has been when you see the wake of toys, shoes, and objects she leaves behind. Jaina started walking the beginning of September. In October she had surgery to repair her cleft lip and in November she was baptized. It was a busy time for us crammed with doctor appointments, and running around chasing life. She learned to give kisses and commicate with small hand gestures. She learned how to climb up the stairs and go down one-by-one on her fanny. She loves to dance and will do it alone or with Mommy. She has a killer smile and knows when to use her charms. Stinker. She is also comfortable and feels safe enough to fight with her older sister over toys. Yes, she has arrived. Her sisters have paved the way.
Last week we had our 6 month post placement visit with our social worker. She was very happy to see how Jaina had grown and how well she had bonded with us. The transition went smoothly I am happy to say, but I suppose the earlier you bring a child into your home the better it is for them and all those involved. I had feverishly completed my report and had handed it to our social worker along with the requested number of photographs to mark Jaina's progress. There is no denying that Jaina is a full fledged member of our family and her transition has been complete. I look at her and I don't see any haunted stares, any fears, any hesititation except when there are strangers in her midst, and that even is put to rest when she stays in the company of Mom and Dad. She is very social and has no reservations about turning to her neighbor in the pew behind her at mass to coo at and visit with regardless of their age.
Perhaps one day she will share something about her past with me--some picture in her head that will sound too alien to be anything experienced with us. I look forward to the day she begins to say new words and the questions that will come with them. She babbles so much more now and where she once said nothing but "Dada" has now been replaced with "Mama". I can't deny that it fills me with delight and she has become my little buddy. We spend every day together, just the two of us when her older sisters go off to school and Dad leaves for work. She helps load the dryer, dust the surfaces and push the swiffer mop all over the house. For her it's pure fun, for me it's an extra set of hands. I am thankful for her company.
This Chrismas has truly been a very special one for my family. Just seeing her look at our tree and wondering what it was doing in the middle of our living room was priceless. She seemed unsure at first, but then ignored it, until it was decorated. Once the lights and ornaments were on it was a grabfest. But she lost interest when she realized the ornaments weren't toys. She also never messed with the gifts and that was a relief. Christmas morning brought all the excitement of the older girls and she took her cues from them. Daddy helped her open her presents and she played for hours with her sisters. I can't thank God enough for this gift and to be able to share the beauty and holiness of this holiday with my new daughter. There are no words to describe how full my heart is when I look at her and think of how much joy she has brought to our family. She added the last puzzle piece to our hearts and now it is complete.
