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
