ABBIE UNLEASHED!

Ha! I love the title of this post, because it is so true! A sweet little girl from an SWI in China has turned into the happiest little kid. She is starting to get a belly and fuller face due to good nutrition, is warming up to Daddy, Grandparents and friends. She babbles, runs, climbs, plays, splashes and generally just enjoys life. Everything I could have ever hoped for, but did not expect. The other day, we layed down to go to bed. In the dark, I could see her little head pop up and look over at me to see if I was awake. To let her know I was there, I reached out and held her hand. Next thing I knew, She leaned over to me, gave me a big kiss and fell asleep in the crook of my neck. Sweet, sweet baby girl. I had the biggest alligator tears of love and joy. Some of you may recall I had MAJOR camera issues during the entire trip. On Gotcha Day, my memory card was full and I am so thankful the Thompson's were there to capture it all for me. I had to purchase two instant cameras, then found a shop where I could buy another XD camera card (only $10.00 US dollars.) On the flight to China, I used my carry on suitcase as a foot rest. Unfortunately, I used my camera too and cracked the LCD view finder. I could still take pictures, I just couldn't tell what we were taking pictures of! Ericka and I got really good at just aiming at what we thought was our target and shooting the picture. Then, when we returned home, I took a few pictures of Abbie wiped out at the LAX airport, the first time she met her sisters and her first ride in a car seat (which she actually likes!) Unfortunately, when I got home and unpacked my suitcases, the camera was no where to be found! I searched everywhere!! Lo and behold, it reappeared in my car yesterday, so here are some of the last pictures from our homecoming. She had her consultation with Dr. Morales and will have a dental imprint made of her palate on 10/24 so they can create a prosthetic hard palate, which will be installed on 10/29. She will not have another surgery for a year, at which time they will finalize the hard palate and close the soft palate. The next surgery is at 6 1/2 or 7, for a bone graft from her hip to create a gumline and some nose/lip refinements. At 12, she will meet with the orthodontist. In regards to speech, it is a wait and see game. She has to learn some English words before we can determine whether she will need speech therapy. Barring no set-backs, this is our game plan. Well, time to run! Have a fabulous Fall day! Love, Tracie (P.S. I am over jet lag, poor Ericka is still a mess!)