So hard to believe, but true enough, we celebrated having LilyJoy in our arms for one year today! While we still have a long way to go, I think about how far we've come and I'm inspired, it really is what keeps me coming back for more. I remember thinking when we first got home, "I wonder what this will be like in one year?" And now we know :)
I do think that it is important to continue to reflect on where we have come from, so that on the hard days, we remember that we are indeed going forward. LJ still struggles with her relationship with her daddy (interesting, given that he was to only one she wanted anything to do with for the first month or so with us), but we are starting the long journey of reading what we can, asking questions and trying to make that important connection. She and I also have a bit of a roller coaster relationship as well, where we both begin to feel insecure every few weeks, but the between stretches are getting longer and the hard times less intense. She has also just recently started to give me spontaneous hugs and kisses, completely of her own accord, which of course I can't get enough of!
She still loves to drive her brothers crazy, especially Timothy, but what youngest child doesn't (asks this youngest child :))?
We look forward to the future, but *try* to enjoy where we are now, as hard as that may be at times. And we just continue to love our Little Joy... happy Forever Family Day, little one!!
6 comments:
Courtney,
She is such a beautiful girl. THough I cannot understand the rough times as an adoptive parent, I can understand the issues of an adopted child. I was 11 when my mother dies, my father could not care for me and I went to live with my aunt & uncle. It was a hard road to attachment, but I am so grateful my aunt & uncle were persistent!
I cannot believe a year has gone by! WOW! I still feel honored that God crossed our paths and we have been able to see God work in each of our families! (((HUGS)))
Dear Courtney,
....a beautiful writing, a sweet little girl, wonderful parents, charming big brothers and blessed grandparents! We love you...
I can't believe it's already been a year that Lilly Joy has been with you!! I remember following every step of your journey!! You all are a true inspiration to anyone in the adoption community as you have been real and honest about your experience ~ thank you soooo much for that!! I have a feeling you have many years to look forward to and those hugs and kisses will happen more and more often:)
Courtney, Congratulations LilyJoy and Family on your one year anniversary. Reflection is a life-saver during those hard moments. Right now, I count my blessings everyday at Milana's newest milestones, because I don't know if tomorrow we will back-track so I'm embracing them as I get them. I can see you are too and just close your eyes and remember those kisses and hugs a little longer. They are so sweet. Many hugs and much love to you, you big trooper! It is a roller coaster, you so nailed that one. Milana loves to drive Kole crazy... mostly Kole (not the other girls). ha ha
Happy 1 year in your arms! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on your journey to attachment with Lilly Joy. I wish everyone would post more about these steps, so those of us who will be following, will know what to expect. It sounds like she is a joy and you are all making such great progress as she grows with you!
Oh my, has it already been a year since LJ came home?! Time flies. What a cutie patootie she is. May the days ahead be filled with continued bonding, a healthy attachment, and lots of those adorable smiles!
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