52 Weeks of Family: Week 3

Mila:

You are rocking these medical appointments!  We crossed off 10 vials of blood, a cardiology visit and a series of xrays this week. You DO NOT like needles but we figured out a good way to do what needed to be done and you got to pick your first real toy afterwards. The great news from your cardiologist was that your heart is PERFECT. No issues whatsoever so we'll just piggy back on Isaac's visit in 5 years for a quick check and call it good. Hallelujah!

So many things are new for you. The automatic garage door has been a particular fascination and when just you and I went to the grocery store this week you couldn't stop laughing at the milk behind the freezer doors!  I couldn't figure out what that was funny but you sure did!  I can tell what you have been exposed to and what is truly new (or was previous forbidden perhaps?)--the store was easy for you, including bagging the groceries. But the kitchen is still an awkward space for you. You don't ask for food or water. You don't explore the cabinets or stand along side me as I cook. When I showed you how to fill your own water bottle in the door of the fridge you provided a VERY clear "no thank you". Okie dookie. I can fill your water bottle; that is a small detail in our lives. The important point is that you KNOW that food and water will always be available. We'll work our way into having food preferences and initiating your own food stability in the future. There is no rush.  

After Isaac goes to school, you and I have some sort of social activity every day along with your homeschooling studies. (You are slaying the ABC's by the way!).  You had your first play date with your cousins Noah, Elli and Max---but mostly Elli 'cuz she likes to do girl stuff. *wink* They are totally in love with you, sweet girl. 

You had a special surprise call this week from your Nana (long term caregiver) and three besties in Shkodra. You were so excited to tell them about your house (and fish!) in America and I heard each of the girls ask about your room *wink*.  I also heard your Nana and a couple Sisters remind you to listen to your new Mommy and to pray every day---excellent advice!
You also got a call from our Sassy Polish Sister Friend and the Sisters in Elbasan later in the week. That call was a bit harder for your little heart. Oh how you squealed to see your favorite ladies! You told them about Isaac's school, and going to church and also your two fish (said it in English too!). But your heart was heavy when we needed to see Bye-sheem. Oh to be loved by so many wonderful people. I'm praying I can show you that all of this love can help heal the grief. You are old enough to be aware of if not understand the loss you have endured. I can't make the loss go away, but we can bathe you in our love and the Perfect Love of the One who made you <3

Isaac:

You started school again this week after being gone for two weeks. I thought maybe you'd have a rough time transitioning back but you did AWESOME.  One of the school staff reported: "EVERYONE in the building knows about Isaac's new sister".  haha. Good job buddy.  I know you were thinking about us during the day because of how you signed your name on your worksheet:

You have learned that you can make your sister laugh, in classic little brother style. Dancing silly, making funny noises, or eating nachos with your ENTIRE face (my particular favorite)

But she also LOVES you for you. Not only did Mila need a brother, she needed YOU, Isaac.

Me:

Congrats! You figured out how to get all three members of the household up, showered, dressed, fed and out the door in the mornings without any major issues (plus feed the fish!). It's not exactly an attractive process but it's effective!  You've also seriously upped your french braiding skills and Mila seems to like it, which is the ultimate test. The days feel manageable right now without going to work but you still have time to ease into that.  The favorite part of the day for everyone is when you pick Isaac up from school...to see your children run into each other's arms like a slow motion beach scene absolutely melts your heart.
Hands down the best part of the week was sitting as a family of three at church this week. Isaac was shouting his hallelujahs with this arms in the arm, and your new Catholic daughter let her inner Pentecostal LOOSE! Singing, clapping, shouting Amen, and lifting her arms to the Lord in worship. Is there anything more precious then presenting your family holy to the Lord? I couldn't help but let the tears flow...'here we are Father, imperfect as we are, we are at Your throne offering all that we are.'