One Month Ago

One month ago we met Alyssa for the very first time. She walked into our hotel room on Sunday, April 15 not knowing that her life would never be the same.  She never cried but did not want to engage in play.  Her body seemed to itch so bad that she was constantly scratching and would turn her body in really strange ways.  It wasn't long before she warmed up to us.  Her itching subsided with lots of baby lotion.

Alyssa has experienced more in the last month than she had in the 2 1/2 years prior.  She had to say goodbye to the only life she ever knew, to all the people that took care of her.  She had to learn to trust these strangers that had been thrust upon her.  She flew on her first airplane, she ate many new foods, she met lots of people, and she landed in a country so different than hers.  So many other changes have happened in her life.  Through it all she has proved to be one amazing little girl.  She seems to love her new home, new surroundings and new family. She is like a sponge and soaking up everything around her.

Things Alyssa loves:
Noodles
Hugs
Tickles
Singing
Throwing the ball
Playing in the yard
The stroller
Her siblings
Her parents
Eating
Clapping her hands
Waving bye bye

Things that Alyssa is not fond of:
Lettuce
Doctors
Giving blood

Things Alyssa is learning to like:
Baths

Words Alyssa can say:
Hug
Uh Oh
Dack(Zack)
Ulia(Julia)
No
Hey
Bye
Peek a woo(Peek a boo)
Hello

I am still in awe of how wonderful Alyssa has adjusted to her new life and our family.  She is a happy little girl who loves life.  She rarely ever cries.  Since we met her she has only cried a handful of times.  She is usually happy and smiling until I pull out a camera.

Last night we had our first post placement visit.  China now requires 6 post placement visits, the first being a month after you get your child.  Our social worker was very impressed with Ms. Alyssa.  She couldn't believe that she was doing so well and fitting into our family so well.  I would like to think it had something to do with our parenting skills but I know better.  We give all the glory to God.  We are truly blessed.