[jen g]

I wanted to post (though I'm not visiting the site as much...busy, busy, busy) to say that after 8 1/2 months (after sending my dossier to Guatemala), Mia Claire is home! It's hard to believe that two weeks ago I thought it would never happen. I had some very low months as I know many of you have had as I waited. I longed to envelop her into our family and get to know her. Now the process has begun and I'm surprised by how quickly she is in the mix of things. She is an incredibly happy, healthy, secure child. Today is her 15 month birthday. We have three older kids (bio to us), ages 6, 4, and 3 and they adore her. And, in case any of you ever secretly wondered: No there is NO difference in the depth of familiarity and love you feel for a child who is genetically yours and who isn't. In fact, I keep checking her for our own particular genetic problems (like dry skin) and then have to remind myself that she doesn't share our DNA! What a joy she is to all of us. I think having the other kids distracted her in the first few days and kept her from feeling too strange. The first few days, she sat still and wide-eyed and wouldn't let anyone but me hold her. Now she adores (rightly so) my DH and her grandmas and goes easily (for at least 20 seconds!) to other people. She also won't take bottles from us, but will drink from a cup and straw. (We introduced her to straws on the plane home and now she won't drink without them. Our other kids are thrilled -- straws at every meal!) I send all of you who are waiting my best wishes and will reiterate what so many people say: it's worth the wait. She is so dear and brings us so much joy. I highly recommend (to those who are adopting older babies/toddlers) the one major book on toddler adoption called TODDLER ADOPTION: THE WEAVER'S CRAFT. I read it and read parts of it several times before Mia came home and was prepared to deal with so much trauma. Now when little things (like her not taking the bottle) come up, I feel like I understand what's going on. Also I feel incredibly grateful to her foster mother who had her from 6 days until almost 15 months old and taught her that the world is a loving and good place. Mia's emotional stability and self-esteem is stunning. She even has begun to push my other kids off my lap ("Hey, this is MY mama!") because she's so sure that I'm all hers.
Best to you all in your journeys.
Jen G

[C ROSAS]

Thank you sooo much for sharing your story with us, and for reminding us of the overwhelming joy we will have when our little one is home..

CONGRATS!!! MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOURS
I AM SO HAPPY FOR ALL THOSE THAT HAVE RECENTLY COME HOME AND FOR THOSE THAT ARE SOON GOING TO BRING THIER BABIES TO THIER FOREVER HOMES....

[Shoshana]

Dear Jen:

What a heart-warming story. Thanks for sharing. Congratulations and have fun!

[Bonnee]

Thank you so much for taking the time to post your story! This is exactly the type of thing that many of us need to hear right now. I am so glad that she is home and doing well!

[KDhappygal]

Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience!

[iluvadoption]

I am so happy for you and Mia!! It sounds like it was a match made in Heaven!! Thank you for sharing.

Best wishes,

[TRBenson]

Jen- congratulations to you and your family!! It sounds like everything is working out perfectly! I'm very happy for all of you.

Thank you for sharing your story, it's a great way to start my morning!

Tammy

[khnath]

How exciting to Finally have your daughter home! Now you can sit back and enjoy her with your family.

[mckinnea]

My son will be approx. 15 mos when he comes home. How verbal is Mia? Is she having any language difficulties? Thanks for posting your wonderful story!

Michelle

[jen g]

Hi Michelle, Regarding Mia's language development, she is chattering and babbling (in a definite Spanish accent!) and has a few words that we've been able to identify: she says (in Spanish): more, dog, goodbye, hello...We use simple Spanish phrases with her, but she is beginning to respond to simple English phrases as well: I say, "Do you like it?" Or "Do you want more?" Or "wave bye-bye." The pediatrician said she is on target developmentally for her language development (But of course, in Spanish), but may be slower to start chatting in English. He said, "Love her. Talk to her a lot. Read her books. She'll do fine." Already when I say, "Look," she brightens and looks at whatever I'm looking at, etc. We're doing a lot of "Where is your nose" and games like that in English to help her. I wouldn't worry ... 15 months is really young still. My 3 other kids all spoke at various times -- the first was saying things like "pretty tree" before he was 1. (pitty tee). The second said nothing until he was 18 m old and his little sister was born and then suddently everything came out in sentences! And our third child (now three) was an early talker. The thing is, it all evens out, or likely will, by the time they go to preschool. I do know, from having read studies about it, that children who grow up with a TV often on in the background speak less clearly and often later than those without that background "buzz." Speaking clearly and brightly to kids I think helps a lot. If Mia ends up with language problems, we have a great "headstart" kind of preschool in town that is free and part of our public school system. The pediatrician said he'll keep testing her (next at the 18 m visit) to see how it's going. We'll see. Also, don't worry if your child doesn't speak much right after coming home -- every day, we still are discovering huge and different parts of Mia's personality. Today she has been grinning a huge toothy smile whereas up to now, the smiles have been more demure. All to say, I'm sure with a mom as vigilant as you sound, everything will work out just fine. 15 months is a great age -- I forgot how fun it was.
Best from,
Jen G

[mckinnea]

Jen,

You just made my day!! I can't wait to share your story with my husband.

Take care!!

Michelle