...More Than Popcorn: Two Months with Alyssa

June 15 marked 2 months with Alyssa. We have seen so many changes in her. She is a remarkable little girl. Her report from China said she was mentally delayed. There is no way this little girl is mentally delayed. She impresses us every day with something new she has learned.

We have kept Alyssa'a world very small. We still haven't taken her to church or taken her around many people that we know yet. Call us crazy but we dealt with attachment issues with Julia(still do) and we don't want to experience that with Alyssa. It is definitely worth being a little isolated for a couple of months. I don't think a person can really understand what it is like until you have gone through it.

We went to Concord for a few days and spent one night at Great Wolf Lodge. I was in awe in the changes in Alyssa. A month ago you couldn't take her into a bathroom without her screaming. You could tell she completely trusted Dallas, the kids, and I to take care of her. When in the big pool with her I just couldn't get over how much she has changed. She loved watching us all go underwater so I asked her if she wanted to go under the water. She nodded her head yes. She often does this so I wasn't sure if she knew what I was asking. I told her she would have to hold her breath and demonstrated. I was surprised when she did the same thing. So we counted, she held her breath and under she went. When she came up she had the most priceless expression on her face. Her eyes were huge with a big smile on her face. I wish I could have taken a picture of this face. Every time she went under she would have this same expression when she came up. It was priceless! It amazes me that she trusts us so much after such a short time.

While we were in Concord Alyssa played putt-putt for the first time. Of course she loved it! She got a hole in one on her very first hole. Quite impressive! She got two more hole in ones before she was overcome with a little attitude. Her first putt-putt game was cut short after about 9 holes. She was content watching the rest of the game in her stroller.

Alyssa is still happy and smiling 90% of the time. She is the happiest child I have ever met. When it is just the two of us she is constantly talking and singing. She has learned to throw a little fit. If you say no or stop she tears up and starts crying. She has even thrown a tantrum or two. Her latest is she crosses her arms and gives a little pout. She also does it if you say no or stop to the other kids because she thinks you are talking to her.

I have enjoyed the last couple of months. Alyssa has experienced so many firsts. It has been so fun experiencing them with her. I am so thankful God choose us to be her parents. We are truly blessed.