It has been such a whirlwind. Chad had another visit to the Emergency Room. He was finally diagnosed with inner ear issues due to all the flights (7 total). He is starting to feel better but has made his bonding with Lauren difficult.
Lauren is adjusting well to her new home. She loves being at home. We have made trips out to visit but she's always happiest when she walks in the front door of her own home. She attaches very easily to the women in our family. It takes her about 5 minutes before she is running and giggling with them. This concerned me because she attached so quickly with me. I began doubting that she truly knows me as Mom so we had to some family and friends to wait to come over.
Lauren loves to be tickled! It is so funny. She will lay there giggling before we even start tickling her. She will laugh so hard that she gurgles. It's the cutest sounds.
Lauren loves her room but she does NOT like her crib. She had slept with her foster grandmother and only slept in the crib during her first 5 months in the orphanage. We have been starting her out in her crib then in bed with us once we wakes up during the night. As of yesterday, she refused to go to sleep in her own crib, she kept pointing to our room. We are debating putting a twin bed in there and let me sleep with her until she is comfortable and secure. It was great in China because we had a king size bed, but we only have a queen at home; therefore making it difficult to get any sleep.
Lauren has an attitude. Oh my goodness! Chad looked at me yesterday and said "We are in for it!" If she doesn't like something or we tell her No, she will fold her arms and stick her chin up in the air. I have to fight back the smiles because it is the cutest and funniest thing. We are thinking she learned this from her foster brothers and sisters.
I start back to work Monday and Chad will be home with her. I will be working 8-1 then home the rest of the day with her. I will be doing this for several weeks until she's feels secure that Mommy is coming home and hasn't abandoned her.
Tuesday was our visit with the Pediatrician. She said Lauren was perfect! She was very impressed at how well Lauren was cared for while in China. She listened to Lauren's heart and couldn't even hear a pin hole of ASD. Thank You Jesus!!! We meet with the Pediatric Cardiologist on Tuesday to have ultrasounds and tests run but expect for Lauren's complete healing by God to be confirmed.
We are so in awe of God! Lauren has been a blessing to us. We couldn't have asked for a better baby. She is so easy going. She lets me try clothes and shoes on her. :) I've been waiting a very long time to do this! She tolerates Chad and I as being new parents. We have made mistakes and she just goes with the flow.
When I think of all the infertility treatments, procedures, at least 100 shots, lots of tears, and numerous childless Mother's Days, I can honestly say I am so happy and can't remember the pain any longer. Lauren was so worth the wait! She is perfect for our family. What a wonderful God we serve! I'm so glad He chose Chad and I to be Yun Niu's parents. God is so good!
 |
| Alissa meeting Lauren. |
 |
| So happy to be home with our US Citizen! |
 |
| Nana giving Lauren a rose just like the one from her orphanage. |
 |
| Welcome sign for Lauren with everyone's note to Lauren. |
 |
| Our family and friends waiting for us! |
 |
| Lauren putting on a show for her family. |
 |
| She loves her toys! |
 |
| She loves Annabelle. (not so found of Tinkerbelle though) |
 |
| Silly faces |
 |
| She is like her Papa! She stuffs way too much food in her mouth! |
 |
| Playing with Alissa! |
 |
| More silly faces! |
