Our Journey to Maddison: Third Week Home

It has been three weeks since we made it back to the States. In a way it seems like yesterday we were traveling and then it also feels like it was years ago. So much has changed around our house. Maddison has slept through the night just about every night this week. We have only had 1, yes I said 1 night terror. God is so good!!!!!!!

"Do those feet ever stop moving?"

Success ....... Finally, she's out!!!!!!!

She is more at peace and is also showing her true colors. Maddie has the greatest little personality with some of the cutest facial expressions. She has also stretched her wings this week just to see how far she can go. In a way, does this have to happen so soon and then it is also a good thing too because she feels comfortable here. Dave and I really believe she knows this is where she belongs and we are her caregivers. I don't really think she understands the concept of parents as of yet, but we are the best nannies she has ever had. In adoption, the parent concept takes time.

Funnies for the week include Maddison and the puppies. They are getting so used to each other. The newness has worn off for the dogs. This is not to say that they don't love and protect her, but they are migrating back to their old routine. One happy event is they are so tired that they don't wake up before the crack of dawn wanting breakfast. A little person in the house just flat wears them out. They seem to be sleeping whenever the chance might appear.

Notice the little feet sticking out of the crib. Our best time for reading anything is while we are waiting for one little gal to fall asleep......hence the stack of magazines next to the crib.

Now, I will say that part of their breakfast routine includes a trip into the nursery to check on Maddie and one is always close by when she is playing. Now, they still get stepped on and she will fall over them, but they have come to the realization that this is normal for life. Every time Maddie is in her room, so are the dogs. If she is taking a nap, playing in the nursery, or we are reading a bible story before bed, they are always close, sometimes in the way, but always right there too. Maddison does believe when she gets up, they need to be out of bed too. She loves to wake them up in the morning. I'm not so sure they enjoy that as much.

She helped me pick tomatoes and peppers the other day. It was cold and the wind was blowing so I loaded her up in the stroller wearing her footed pj's a jacket and tucked a warm blanket all around her. I placed her by the hot tub in hopes it might block some of the cold wind. She watched me pick veggies and every time I had a handful, she wanted one veggie to feel and hold. When I returned with another handful, she would give me the first veggie she was holding and reach for another one. She was so excited to be "helping."

We are 4 days away from our appt at Shriners Hospital. I am still in awe at how the Lord works.

This appt will be the first meeting with the doctor. Following this appt, we will hopefully know a schedule of what, when, and how things will happen. We may not know a surgery date, but maybe we will know some sort of time frame. Praise the Lord for His unfailing love for us. In Luke 12, Jesus is talking to the disciples and in verse (6) He says, "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. ( 7) Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." We are so fortunate and blessed that He cares so much. We truly do have an awesome God!!!!

Fun pictures from the week.

Maddison loves hats. Did you know they have another use.....holding blocks.