Five beautiful years later...

June 2, 2016 marks the 5 year anniversary of Finley's adoption in Nepal...Thomas party of 2!! The past five years have been the absolute best! I am not the same person, and thank goodness for that! Finley has taught me love, grace, patience (a lot), and sacrifice. God knows exactly what you need! Amen? Finley had a few minor adjustments in the beginning, but has blossomed in all areas. She has advanced to the 2nd grade with excellent grades. She loves to read!! She has taken horse riding lessons, and hopes to resume. The girl is a cowgirl at heart and has requested we move to some land for her horse stable and chicken coop. Chicken coop?!? No way! Chicken coop leads to chicken. Chicken leads to chicken snake! Just let me pay 3x the cost for the organic, cage free eggs. Okay...well...maybe we will end up with the chicken coop :)  She also has a natural inclination for gymnastics, currently on team level 2.   She tumbles EVERYWHERE!  She said to me,"but Mom... Tumbling is what my life is about!" Oh the drama of a 7 year old...Maybe she will be another Gabby Douglas.   She is her toughest critic in this little life.  I have loved watching her grow in her love for others and growing in Christ. I hear her singing Jesus songs as she plays around the house. Poor thing has her mother's singing voice :) She has also learned to booty dance-totally different story. We are trying to curb that one!!!

Finley and I continue to live in NE MS. Several of my brothers and sisters live within an hour. Finley loves her family and asks to visit with them often. She has some extraordinary talent for operating a cash register at the flea market with Sissy and Jen Jen. We have made a concerted effort in visiting my sisters and other family out of state. We have a well established "village" in our community that is invaluable. The Credilles, our best friends, remain at the top of the list. This "village" has enabled us to get to and from gymnastics, stay the night for me to travel for work, get to and from MD visits, fed us, encouraged us. I may be a single parent, but I have the best support team! There is no way this is a 1 man (person) job! Note...add a "chicken cooper" to the "village". Finley has developed a very thick southern accent. I attribute that to Jeff Credille and her Uncle Mike. She says words like, "tomaters", "reckon", "niiight" with 2 or more syllables. You seriously have to hear it to believe it. I honestly believe God created this child for me to be her mommy. She is a little version of me, clumsiness and all. I have said this before and it is still true...I am grateful beyond words to the country of Nepal and to the selfless act of a birth mother.

Keep the country of Nepal in your hearts as they continue to struggle with the effects of the earthquake last year. There are still many with temporary or no shelter. The U.S. has not yet reopened Nepal to adoption since the time of Finley's adoption. There is a tremendous group of people that are working tirelessly to make that happen and a program to offer resources within Nepal to ensure children are fed. There is a lot of need beyond the comfort of our everyday.

I cannot imagine my life without Merritt Finley Thomas!!! She knows she is adopted from Nepal, but is convinced that she is waiting on a brother or sister (& a daddy).  Who knows??  I know a lot of you keep up with us on FB, but it is important for me to document on the blog as well. We celebrate 5 years, but God's plan for Finley was made long before I even knew what was it store! Thank you to each of you for your love and friendship over these years. We love and appreciate you more than you could possibly know.  Now to get busy with the next 5 years... :)) God isn't done yet!! Believe it.

Love,
Lydia & Finley 😘

Celebrating 1 year...

Today marks the 1 year anniversary of the adoption of Merritt Finley Thomas. What an amazing year it has been! I was in Nepal with Erin Anderson, who graciously accompanied me, exactly 1 year ago. Adoption day was an amazing and scary day. The two and a half year process had finally come to fruition!

We we we first got home, Finley took some time to adjust as expected. We had a host of support from family and friends. I don't know how we would have made it without them! Initially, Finley knew only "mama" and a variety of Nepali phrases. She picked up on the English language incredibly fast, learning new words all the time. Finley was fortunate to get into the hospital daycare in August after we returned from Nepal. Once she entered daycare her language, social and play skills rocketed.

Finley had fun dressing up for her first Halloween and going trick-or-treating at 2 homes with Ava and Ella.  

Finley was able to experience her first Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations with my family and friends.  She loved every minute of fellowship (spoiling) by everyone in her life.  She has also developed a sweet love for Jesus as a result of attending church and the holiday seasons.  She even requests "Jesus music" in the car now, which almost makes my heart skip a beat.  

We have had family to visit and we have taken a couple of trips (Orange Beach and Memphis Zoo). Finley has promise to be quite the traveler. I'm very excited about that! I have had a few trips without Finley. Friends, Connie and Morgan & Steven, have been kind enough to keep her while I traveled. Finley has also stayed with Aunt Cindy at her house a couple of nights. Finley does quite well with staying with others, but has just now discovered what it means when "mommy has to go on a trip" and realizes it's not just about her getting to go to someone's house to have fun! She is a smart cookie (or "fart tookie" as Finley says).

Finley also has a natural born talent in gymnastics as we have discovered. Now to only reel in her urges to plow over the other children in her gymnastics class! Finley is now done with gymnastics for the summer, but asks about gymnastics every week.

Finley turned 3 on April 15th and celebrated with family and friends at Hope Church with a big Hello Kitty party. Thanks to Connie and Dana Hobby for making her party one to remember.

Ava and Ella Credille continue to be like sisters to Finley. I just hope that she helps reinforce good habits and not the less desirable ones! Love those girls. We have a beach trip planned for the later part of July. Look for Facebook pictures!

There are so many new and exciting things that Finley has learned and experienced that it is hard to put them into words. I continue to be amazed at God's goodness and provisions. Everyday I am reminded how clearly God knitted Finley in her birth mother's womb to be my child. She thinks like me, acts like me, and eats like me (which is not necessarily a good thing!). The most delightful characteristic in Finley that I see is that she loves wide open. I can only hope to love others as she does. I pray that God gives me the intuition and grace to foster that in her so that she continues to love wide open all of her life. I love this girl more than I ever thought I could, but I am warmed with the knowledge that she is God's child first. I am so blessed to be her earthly parent.

Thank you to all our friends and family that love on us, pray for us, grow with us. We love you and can't wait to share lots of good things with you in the upcoming year.

Love,

Finley and Lydia

P.S. This post was intended for yesterday, but I was out of town.  

It's a whirlwind...

My goodness!  Time has flown since we've been back from Nepal.  There have been so many changes and the acclimation that people told me would come so easily for Finley is happening right before my eyes! Finley and I have continued to bond over the time off from work.  We had a terrific adoption party with many great friends and family.  Several of my family members were there (Eddie, Sissy, Sheena & family, Kenny & family).  The Browns from Starkville brought their amazing son, Diwas.  The Browns are also a pipeline family that went through so much to bring their son home from Nepal.  Erin was at the party.  Erin was my travel partner to Nepal and Finley's didi.   Connie and Meredith were rock stars in putting it together.  I had many friends and family members who donated food for the party as well.  Thank you all so much!  There were also thoughtful friends from church and work that attended.   Thank you all who attended!  Big love! Pictures of the party and some of Finley earlier that day to come when I receive the release from the photographer.  Fabulous pictures!  


We also squeezed in a trip to the beach in the last week before I returned to work.  Now, that doesn't sound very practical but the beach is always practical.  Finley was a natural at the beach.  She showed no fear of the new or unknown, loving the water and the sand.  I posted a few pictures on facebook, but there are some below.  We had an amazing trip to Orange Beach with the Credille Family (Jeff, Connie, Ava, Ella, and Mrs. Ann).  Well worth the 6 hour drive that actually took 8+ hours.  


Before I knew it, the time came for me to return to work.  Love my job, but just was not ready.  I had such anxiety about leaving Finley.  I hear there is no escaping that feeling for new mothers, but it is very difficult to explain.  My return to work date was July 25th.  Finley did have a spot at the NMMC Childcare, but wasn't able to start until August 8th.  God provided for us as usual.  Stephanie Moore and her daughter, Emily, welcomed Finley into their home for 2 weeks.  It was the best transition you could ever imagine for Finley.  The Moores have a son, Jed, adopted from Nepal.  They were one of the pipeline families.  They were finally able to bring their son home in January.  Over those two weeks, Finley became close to the Moores and was able to spend time with a sweet boy that looks like her and has similar mannerisms.  I thank God for that experience!  I think we established bonds in those 2 weeks that will be a foundation for years to come.  


That brings us to this week and daycare.  Finley and I have purposefully made several visits to the daycare to say, "Hello" to teachers and pick up / drop off Ava and Ella.  We have had repetitive dialog preparing for Finley's big day at "school".  Monday comes.  Finley is soooo excited she cannot contain herself.  I heard that she had a spectacular day, going right down for her nap and playing with other kids!  Success!  Tuesday comes.  She clings to me at drop off until Ms Ann says "snack?" then she was happy as a clam.  Wonderful day  on Tuesday.  Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday....screams bloody murder at drop off.  You would think I am taking her to a scary clown show!  She loves this place and I am told is participating like it is the Miss America pageant after I leave.  I would say that this little girl has a knack for the dramatic.  I promise she did not get it from me!  Finley's English language has doubled in just a week!  Finley has also had a couple of play dates with Lilly, Emma Rose, and Jeny Odom - which she enjoying like a natural two year old!


A couple of  funnies...  
I walked into the living room the other evening to find Finley eating, not one, but 3 crayons.  The big triangle ones.  She was holding them all together in one fist and chomping on them all at once.  My area rug will never be the same.  Charlie, Finley's canine brother, must have seen her and followed suite today.  To my knowledge, he was just eating one at a time.  


Last weekend, Papa John & Meme (aka Johnny & Meredith Farris) and the Credilles were with us at Comer's (super duper steaks!).  Finley was in a booster seat at the end of the table.  Next to us was a table of several people and (1) seeing eye dog.  Of course, the dog peaked Finley's attention, but she was fairly well behaved.  Until... all eyes were turned and she decided to reach for the dog.  After the sound of the crash, we all looked to find Finley had fallen on top of the assistant dog and was pedaling in the air with all limbs like a turtle.  The dog scampered, but returned when all was calm.   What made it even funnier was that the dog was wearing a large sign that said "Please don't pet me, I am working".   I used to only have to worry about my own clumsiness and poor decisions.  Now, apparently I am responsible for someone else's! Ha.  


Finley has many new toys that she is learning to play with.  She is still a household cleaner at heart!  Just give the girl a cleaning rag and watch her go!  She is separating from me more.  I can see her independence more every day.   She is a loving and affectionate little girl.  I am so thankful that God really has prepared her heart for me.  Finley is still not sleeping well at night.  She seems fearful if she wakes and I am not there.  Please pray that her sleeping improves and that her fear resolves.  I want her to rest.  


I hope you enjoy the pictures.  I can see so many changes in her and I think they show in the pictures of her.  I love you all.  Thanks for your love and support and prayers.  We continue to feel that all the time! 


Love,
Lydia and Finley

Lydia, Finley, and Jed

Ella, Ava, and Finley at the beach

Finley loving shoes

Finley posing at the beach

Finley & Ava ready for bed

Finley and Momma

Sweet Finley

1st day of daycare - August 8, 2011

Big girls ready for daycare

Go Sox!

Finley loving her momma

Happy June and July (delayed posting)

Greetings, friends!  Hope you have all had meaningful time with family and friends over the holiday.  Finley and I had big fun at the Credilles' in Belmont, MS on the 4th.   We had lots of traditional foods and a spin on the water slide.  Finley is a natural water bug!  After just a short while, Finley was going down the large slide with a little help and didn't panic (mom did!) when she went under water.  I think she will be swimming in no time!  The second pool experience was at my Sissy's for our mid-week family celebration.  She went under the water more times than I can count.  This girl is toughening me up - that is for sure! 


Just to catch you up on a few of the happenings of the past couple of weeks... Finley will be able to start the hospital daycare on August 8th.  Praise the Lord!  The few weeks between when I return to work and starting daycare, she will stay with Stephanie Moore.  Stephanie and Chris Moore adopted a little boy from Nepal in January.  So thankful for the opportunity for Finley to get to know him better.  We had a couple of good visits with the Moores.  I think it will be a good transition for her to stay with them for a couple of weeks before going to daycare.  Finley has met several more family and friends and is really adjusting quite well.  She is initially shy and then is often playing after a few minutes and blowing kisses/waving by the time we leave. We visited with Papaw Jack and Nanney Lou Lou.   We also had some Mexican with Uncle Ed and cousin Joey.  Good visits!  We also had a work shower that was tremendous!  Finley was ripping up and down the halls by the time we were done and has slowly figured out that all the stuff in her room from the shower is for her!  It's so cute!  She tried on her beads and dress up shoes - it looked great over the pajama bottoms she was wearing!  That girl is gonna master some high heels in no time.  Such a girly girl!  I can hardly keep up.   I am so grateful for the friends I work with (you guys are great!).   If we haven't gotten a chance to visit with you, hang on...   Week before last we didn't do much visiting as we kept Ava (a sweet labor of love) because she had pneumonia and we couldn't get out for her safety.  We have been to the pediatrician and have gotten the 2 year immunizations (5 sticks).  She cried with last 2 shots.  Pitiful.  She ran low grade fever and walked stiff-legged for a couple of days, but now seems much better.  We met with Dan Davis, lawyer for our re-adoption.  Last Thursday she officially became Merritt Finley Thomas. No longer is she Diksha Balika, although she usually calls herself "Diksha".  On the day of adoption, she did look at a picture and say "Finley" for the first time.  Yay!  It feels like a final piece to a puzzle.  While MS does honor foreign adoptions, it is easier to re-adopt to change her name, get the SS card & MS birth certificate, and register for school, etc.    Another big milestone was our first day at Sunday service at Hope Church.  Finley did quite well and met several sweet people our first day back.  She didn't make it through the whole service, but we came close.  There was a brief outburst when she signed and said "eat" and didn't get immediate results.  A brief exit from the service let her calm down and then we were able to return.  We will work on tolerance for this.  Finley did seem really interested in the worship music (and the flash cards that Connie brought!).  She has now been to a second Sunday service.  I will spare you the long story and just give the abbreviated...  Last year some time I heard the song on the radio "While I am Waiting" by John Waller.  I was so moved by the lyrics that I printed them off and posted them on my computer at work.  I read them everyday.  I had already committed this adoption process to God.  However, from reading the lyrics I made a conscious decision to actively praise God while I was waiting for the process.  It just gave me the happiest heart.  I continued to hold that song close to my heart throughout the whole process.  On our first day at church after returning from Nepal, it was posted in the bulletin that John Waller was going to lead worship at Hope Church this past Sunday!  You can't tell me God isn't in the small things!  I am so amazed and John Waller was so spirit filled - it was a tremendous service!
A few new lessons by Finley and for Finley...

• I have been depriving the poor child of the kind of rice that she likes.  You should have seen her eating like a man at Shogun and noodles at Mt Fuji.  Although, she was a little freaked out about the fire. 
• You can fall down multiple times a day and be okay, even a few face-plants.  I am attributing this to her dare devil instincts.
• Finley is learning the hard lessons of sharing.  She hasn't quite learned that the whole world doesn't belong to her.  She experiences repeated disappointment, but is getting better. 
• Finley's theory on food.... give it to me often.  I will try almost anything (sometimes 2 or 3 times), but if I don't like it I am going to expel it immediately!
• Finley loves being a helper and would like nothing better than to deliver something to the garbage can. 
• She is growing attached to all animals, but especially Charlie and Obie (dog and cat) and Rudy and Squeeky (dog and cat). 
• She would rather eat off mommy's plate rather than her own! 
• Finley can label about 5 body parts and is saying a few phrases in addition to several signs and single words.  She continues to amaze me every day!
• Sleep is improving but still a challenge.  More on that later.   

For those of you who don't know, I had a wee bit of a challenging week.  Monday I backed into Jeff's (Credille) car in their driveway and on Tuesday I ran over their cat!  Pathetic!  Squeeky lost and eye and has his jaw wired shut, but he is alive! It is looking up right now!  I will end with a few pictures to catch you up on this amazing little girl.  I can't wrap my brain around all of the progress she has made.  Thank you for continuing to remember us.  Love. 

Finley's first day at Hope Church.

The sweetest girls in the whole world celebrating Independence Day.



Sweet Finley



Finley with friends, Morgan & Steven at Ella's 1st Birthday Party.  She loved the fondant but not the cake!



June 23, 2011 - Recent pictures

I know I have been slack in posting in the last few days.  Connie, my personal tech person, has been busy.  I have definately been busy.  We have visited with family in Corinth including Finley's Uncle Ed, Uncle Tim, and cousins Sheena & Trey, Jen Jen, Dylan, Jay, Mary Margaret, and Ginia Kate, and Zack.  Finley and I were excited to visit with my friends Jo and her family and Greg & Cindy.  We also introduced Finley to the work people.  She handled it quite well, for the most part.  We have also been handling insurance, securing daycare (big yay!), and scheduling MD appointments.  There is an aweful lot to do after getting home.  Finley is down for a nap, so this is how the blog is being updated!  She is still spending about 50% of the time in my lap or in my arms.  Meltdowns that I previously described are gradually turning into tantrums of a 2 year old.  It is no longer primarily about insecurities, but about cookie and clothing preferences.  How is that?  We've only been home a week and a half and she is not only figuring her world out but has an opinion about everything!  I love to see the wonder and the excitement of all the new experiences!  My good friend Jo gave her many great gifts, but gave her a balloon (her first) and it was so fun to watch.  Sleeping is much better, as we have introduced a more regular routine.  However, she is still very restless at night and sits up in the bed several times and sometimes whines.  She is beginning to self console and will usually remain in the bed until the sun rises.  Finley still need me with her to fall asleep.  A challenge for another day still.  She has started using the potty occasionally again and will let me know when she is soiled.  I thank God many times a day for the undeserving grace and love that he showers freely.  His love is so very evident to me in the eyes of Finley, but it is not exclusive love.  It is the same love that is offered to all...it is there for the taking. 

      "The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you."   2 Corinthians 13:14


Finley wearing Momma's red shoes.  She stared at them for a good 30 sec when I put them on!




Finley with cousin Maddie.  Her first sleep over.



Sassy pants!



Finley and Ava.  They love each other.  So sweet.  So thankful. 



Loving the sucker Trey gave her. 

June 19, 2011 - Catch up

Hi all.  The last few days have been catch up for visiting with family, bonding with Finley, and catching up on sleep. 

Most impressive (or at least most relieving) is that Finley has slept through the night for the past 2 nights.  Yay!  It makes for a much happier child (and Mommy) during the day.  She has been waking with the sweetest spirit, smiling and playful.  She probably has a better sense of safety and predictability.  She still requires me to sleep with her (or at least hold her till she is asleep) at night and during naps,  and does wake briefly during the night.  So happy.  We have only been home a week today! 

My sister Leta, my nephew Zack and my great niece Maddie were with me from Thursday night until Saturday afternoon.  I was so nervous about Finley's tolerance, but it turned out to be great.  Finley took a couple of hours to warm up, but she played with everyone and even ventured into the other rooms to play several times.  I specifically encouraged her to play more independently, but was close when she called for me.  My sister, Leta, was thrilled to finally meet Finley and loved that Finley allowed Leta to hold her several times.  It was really great having my family visiting. 

Finley has spent more time with the Credilles this weekend.  She is loving Ella, stroking her head and poking her eyes (I don't know what that's about).  She and Ava love each other, but also are having some power struggles over toys. 

Here are the latest new things from Finley...

• Finley ate Mexican.  Loved it, but perhaps a little early for her system (yikes!).
• Finley has now been to Walmart, Toys R Us, CVS, Kroger, Pizza Hut. 
• Finley said "I Love You" in demonstration and spontaneously.  The sweetest thing yet!
• Finley loves Ramen noodles. 
• She continues to be very frustrated when trying to communicate, which inevitably leads to a meltdown. 
• She has now said, "Ava", "Ella", "nanna" (which is really her aunt leta), "Connie", "all done", "eat", "hello".  
• She pretends to talk on the phone.   
• She loves veggie straws and on occasion has chosen them over cookies. 
• She is sharing and not sharing at times, but is learning good toy play. 
• She has run to Leta and Connie, even though she then looks for me.   
• She helped Connie unpack groceries. 
• I left her at Connie and Jeff's to go check on Charlie (Finley's canine brother) and for the 15 minutes I was gone, she didn't even know I had left.  Progress!!!

I have now ran into a few people and realize how many people are looking forward to meeting Finley.  Just knowing that is endearing.  I am so excited for everyone to meet her.  I truly believe that all prayers for this endeavor have been heard and so many answered already.  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you.  Pictures to follow tonight or in the morning!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads!

To God be the Glory.
Love, Lydia

June 16, 2011 - New Skills

It was a better sleeping night for us.  Finley went to bed about nine and although she was restless and had to be held some, we were able to stay in the bed until 4 am! Yay!  She even went back to sleep and we finally awoke at 6.  The new techniques... a fan for continuous noise and turning off all lights to indicate that it isn't daytime when she wakes and wants to get up.  


This morning we paid a visit to the Hope Church office and is was so sweet.  Finley got to see Dianne and Meredith and all the other staff that have been praying diligently for us.  It was emotional for me.  Finley shy'ed away and then fell asleep while we were talking.  

Other new stuff that we did today was took a ride in the buggy at Kohl's and Kroger, which was pretty exciting for Finley after the initial adjustment.  We also went to our first shoe store (Payless).  You would think she was well schooled at this event.  She argued with me in Nepali to get the ugliest pair of shoes in the store.  I refused and she melted.  We purchased our shoes and left.  She clung to the shoe bag like it was her best friend, as you can see in the picture.  

New skills for the day....  Finley responded to her new name multiple times.  This is a big deal to me.  She is imitating many English words such as train, Ava, all done, thank you, tv.   She ate cereal with milk in it with a spoon all on her own (lots of spilling).  


Tonight Finley is meeting Aunt Leta, Zack, and Maddie for the first time.  She is also meeting Charlie, Finley's canine brother.  He is returning home after an extended stay.  


Praying for a good night.  Good sleep makes for a much better day for Mommy and Baby.  


Lastly, I just have to thank God for a tremendous day and a terrific support system.  I value all of you so much for your "over the top" love and support.  Big love.