We didn't plan it this way, but we were in Los Angeles for the first time since coming home from China last weekend. We introduced Lily to Dave's parents, and also to my father (my mom was very bummed to be on a business trip) and my sister, June, and her family, and my sister Jenss who was also home for the weekend. Here are all of the Peng grandkids.
And my dad holding Lily for the first time at IHOP.
Last Sunday, we returned to our "home church" we are a part of in Los Angeles. We got to introduce Lily to everyone there on Orphan Sunday. Somehow it felt amazingly right. It felt, in a way, like she is truly home now. Now Grammy just has to meet her over Thanksgiving.
The last week has been tough for me. Lily continues to learn and grow in many ways. We are encouraged every time she learns a new sign, or understands what we are saying, or crosses new milestones. Lily can now not only walk all over the place, but she can go up and down the two steps that lead down into our play room. She has started to feed herself, too (a messy affair - but oh so fun).
The last week has been tough though for a couple of reasons. First of all, I have been so worried about her medical stuff. After visiting UCSF and getting her surgery scheduled, I am growing anxious thinking about that. We have never had a child undergo surgery. The thought of it and caring for her during the painful recovery is daunting to say the least. I know that this is so necessary and that her quality of life will be so much better after it is all said and done. Thankfully, Dave's parents are going to come up a couple of days before the surgery and stay until a week after wards to help with meals and driving the other kids to and fro.
Also, I had mentioned that she is having this chromosome test done (we are still waiting for results), and I am nervous about the results. Even though we have been reassured by the doctors that she is most likely fine, medical test taking of course makes me very nervous as to what *could* come out of it.
Lastly, in the last week, Lily has really started to hit people more and more. Particularly Aaron, poor guy, if he gets in her space or has something she wants (which is pretty much everything). She even whacked me on the nose the other day at Target when we were in the school supply aisle because I took the rubber cement away from her to put away :-(. I know that hitting is normal even for non-adopted children at her age. But goodness it is pretty new to me and rather disconcerting.
We have been trying very hard to teach her about saying "Please" and to be gentle. I hope this passes quickly as now I have even more limited time keeping up with her. I cannot trust her to play with her brothers (or other children) with me at a distance. I have to be right there - within a couple of feet - to watch for flying hands. Needless to say, not much is getting done around here in the housework department :-(. There are moments where I feel completely overwhelmed and frustrated. I savor the time I have after all the kids have gone to bed so I can have a few moments to eat and lounge and relax.
Angie's post about The Tigress was a true encouragement to me. Check it out if you have some time. Sounds like her little Emery and my Lily have lots in common personality-wise.
Please keep Lily and all of us in your prayers.
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Just for fun. Our dear friends Ben and Joanna sent us this bulldog stuffed animal. Joanna even sewed one eye closed just like the real Philly. Seriously, when I see it out of the corner of my eye I think it is really Phil. "Baby Phil" arrived last week and has been a fun addition to our stuffed animal family.
Loved reading the Tigress, how wonderful to have these connection, and that you are not going through this alone, there are others that understand.
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