It is so hard to believe we have been home with Amy for two weeks already. Almost as long as we were gone! It has been an incredibly busy time. Amy has been introduced to riding a bicycle, riding a scooter, jumping on a trampoline, playing on the monkey bars, and miniature golf. In between we also made a trip to the zoo and to the International Adoption Clinic at Children’s Hospital. So far, all is well!
She continues to do very well. We have had some sleeping issues. She refuses to sleep in her own room alone and we have tried sleeping with big sister (worked for one night only), putting a roll-away bed in big sister’s room (worked for ½ night), sleeping with Mom (not too great for Mom as Amy is VERY clingy) and have finally settled on Mom and Amy sleeping in the twin beds in the guest room. We hold hands until she falls asleep but do sleep in separate beds. This has worked well for 8 nights! We are progressing!
Amy’s English is also progressing. She is using several English words regularly and can understand many more. I will often say something in English and she will say the same word in Chinese.
** A side note: I invested in the 13 DVD set called “Sesame English”. It is NOT cheap, but to me, worth every dime. The DVDs have several language tracks. Right now we are using the Mandarin/English version, but will later transition to English only. Each DVD has two 13 minute episodes dealing with several different topics, using a puppet and teen age girl in typical Sesame Street fashion. Every episodes also teaches two letters of the alphabet. Amy absolutely loves them and watches at least two every day. They are for ages K thru 4 and even Emily enjoys watching them.
Other than sleeping, the only other issue has been some jealousy, mostly on Emily’s side, but a bit on Amy’s as well. Emily told me “I like to play with Amy, I just don’t want you to” This usually occurs in the evening when the girls are tired and both want some one on one with Mom. There are times Mom feels like Gumby, especially when Dad is working, but each day is a bit easier and I am very sure will work out just fine.
