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