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We're Home
June 24, 2009
| January 7, 2010
Thursday, January
7, 2010
Can it be possible that 2010 is
already here? Last year was a busy and blessed year for all of
us. It is hard to believe that 7 months ago we were in China
getting Erica. Since that time, Erica has adapted and grown so
much. She is such bundle of joy to have around! Here is a look
at the past seven months:
We are often asked if Erica can speak Mandarin. The answer to
that question, as close as we can tell, is no. She was only 21
months old when we got her, so while she may have understood
some Mandarin she was not quick to verbalize. In the weeks that
followed her joining our family, she never babbled to herself
other than squeals and grunts. She quickly picked-up on saying
“Mama” and “Baba” but often refused to say anything else. A few
weeks after coming home, while looking at a “colors” book she
said her first word – “purple.” She said it twice, clear as a
whistle, but would only say it when she wanted to (what can we
say, the girl has definite opinions). It was in September that
her speech really began taking off. She understands everything
we say and her vocabulary is rapidly expanding.
Since coming home, Erica’s physical abilities have really
developed. She began walking a couple of weeks after we got
home. She still wasn’t very steady, but it was progress. We took
her to about 6 weeks of physical therapy in late summer. She
caught-up quickly and now runs and jumps all over the place.
Erica loves being read to (she fits right in with this family).
She will sit and listen to book after book always watching for
her favorite things within the pictures (the color purple,
butterflies, telephones, etc.). So far, some of her favorite
books are Duck & Goose, Fancy Nancy, Curious George, and Dr.
Suess books.
This December brought an unexpected and unusual surprise – snow!
Erica loved watching it fall! We were all sick that day, but
snow comes so seldom down here that we bundled up and braved the
outdoors. Erica was a little cautious going out, but was soon
having the time of her life. She didn’t want to go inside.
This past Christmas was very special, being her first one at
home. Erica did not quite get the idea of opening presents and
was content to watch one of the girls open her presents for her.
One of her presents was a little kitchen and every day since we
have been treated to “tea.” Erica also got an American Girl
Bitty Baby whom she adores. Every nap and bedtime we go through
a routine that includes everyone kissing Mei Mei (the doll)
goodnight and then singing “Jesus Loves Me” to her. Erica is
sure to make bedtime for the doll just the same as her own (she
like things to be fair).
Each day Erica surprises us with what she picks up. One of her
latest accomplishments is counting to ten.
It is hard to imagine that this same little girl couldn’t walk
or understand us just seven months ago. She has come so far in
such a short time! God has truly blessed our family with her!
Erica’s Favorite Things:
Her teddy bears, Lina and Sherbet
Telephones
Butterflies
Singing
Her doll, Mei Mei
Lip-gloss
Football – she yells “Touchdown” every time she sees it on TV
Jewelry
“Helping”
Playing chase
Hair bows |
Playing in the water
Erica enjoying her bike
Birthday girl! |
Stylin'
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myadoptionwebsite.com
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