We were thrilled to return home to small town Stuarts Draft, VA, and see the wide open spaces and cattle roaming. Our cat, Pumpkin, and dog, Pepper, really missed us and gave us lots of loving. Ainsley was initially frightened of the animals and would scream and cry if they got within a few feet of her. It only took a couple of weeks for her to enjoy them and rid of the fear. Ainsley's English language is coming along well and we do surprisingly well communicating. She is also getting used to a new set of food and at first would not eat anything green. With Daddy feeding her and coaxing her, Ainsley is trying new food and eats so well. Unfortunately our first month at home was also spent trying to get Richard well. He had a severe gastrointestinal illness, underwent a ton of medical tests, and was fortunately treated the week of Christmas for Giardia, a nasty parasite we suspect followed him home from China, and gradually worked his way to better health.
God is so faithful that in the midst of jet-lag, strange animals, a new home, new family and friends, Ainsley has adapted well to home. She is still so full of joy and is genuinely happy with her new family. Ainsley knows she is loved and eats up all the attention, hugs and kisses from her family. We can't credit the only affection she receives from Mommy and Daddy, because her brother and sisters, Nana, Granny Clark, Granny Mac, Gram and Great Granddaddy, and her many new friends show her with love, too.
Mommy is staying with Ainsley in the toddler nursery at church, but Ainsley is not clingy and likes the toys and children she plays with.
Ainsley, like the other Clark children, is on a schedule that has helped. We all get up early, even on the weekends, and get Ethan, Olivia and, three days per week, Sophia off to school. Ainsley gets 3 hours, 3 days per week, her Mommy or Daddy all to herself. Sophia has really enjoyed Ainsley and they play Barbies and pretend play. Ainsley just goes along with the big kids playing whatever "make believe" games they play. Olivia likes to play "little mommy" with her and tries to hug and carry her. Our Olivia is so skinny that Ainsley is almost half her size which makes it difficult to carry, though she tries. Ethan thinks Ainsley is so cute, but prefers that she stay out of his rooms, as he has erected a few gigantic lego and K'Nex creations that she has tried to touch. Ainsley really likes playing with her Barbie big wheel and princess scoot-along toy on the drive way and swinging on the swing set.
Another blessing for Ainsley is that we were able to have an appointment Jan. 6 with The CranioFacial Institute at The Children's Hospital of Kings Daughters in Norfolk, VA. We saw a team of doctors including: an orthodontist, a pediatrician specializing in international adoption, a speech therapist, a geneticist and a surgeon. Every doctor was amazed at how healthy Ainsley looked and how happy she was with her new family. We were so pleased to get a good report for Ainsley and affirmation on how we believe she has been blessed with good health and good medical care prior to our arrival. We started the adoption process the month she was born, but God had a plan for us to be united in Nov. 2008. We know God works all things for His glory and we thank Him for the hands that did her cleft lip/palate surgery, as they did a terrific job, and all the caregivers who helped with her recovery.
Our family is very excited to have an opportunity to go to DisneyWorld this March. Ethan, Olivia and Sophia are thrilled and we are hoping Ainsley will enjoy her first trip to "The Magic Kingdom". Since she is a good "Polly Parrot", we expect her to do well, for the most part, with the sights and sounds.
We thank God for the opportunity to bring Ainsley into our family and can't wait to see the plans God has for her unfold as she learns to love and obey Him. |
