Songkran

We celebrated Thai New Year on April 12.  It's a holiday called Songkran, and Thai people celebrate with their naturally cheerful flare!  It is a holiday filled with WATER!  Thais will spray one another with water, or douse passer-bys on the streets.  We went to another Thai adopting family's house that lives close by.  We are so blessed to have 7 Thai adoptive families in the Kansas City area, (that we know, there are probably more) and we will get together every once in awhile to celebrate the Thai holidays.  Norah likes seeing the other Thai children, but since we are not on a regular routine of seeing these families, she still is quite reserved when she is around them. 

 

These pictures are of Norah throwing water balloons with the other kiddos, and also a group shot of some of the other kids in our Thai group:)  There are 3 families in our group that are still waiting on first approval to bring their kids home!  

Another neat part of Songkran is that it's customary for the children to pour scented water on the hands of their parent, or elders.  It is a symbol of respect and honor.  So all the children did it to the adults, with lavender scented water.  It was so beautiful, and we sure could use more of the blessing and honor Asian culture stresses on it's older people!  We had a delicious spread of different Thai dishes, most of which Norah found too spicy or just did not love.  Her palate is getting more Americanized, and her tastes are getting pickier... *sigh*  I hate that I am used to it, but I am with my two picky boys.

It's Been Awhile...

It has been way too long since our last post!  So much has happened with Norah, and she continues to thrive in transitioning into our family.  In February, Norah had to go through extensive dental treatment.  I fortunately took her to an amazing doctor that put me at ease of all my anxiety around her treatment!  She had to be put under general anaesthesia because there was no other way to get 6 crowns and a filling done on a two year old without it!  My nerves were all over the place.  What if she is that .00001% that would not wake up?  I don't know her extensive family health history or any if there are any adverse reactions to anaesthesia in her bloodline.  It all turned out fine, with a very out-of-it toddler at the end of the appointment! 
Norah started acting normal a few hours later, and was upset that the band-aids on her hands were not cute.  They just used normal medical tape and cotton balls!  The nerve!  This girl insisted on Hello Kitty band-aids.  So I did what any mother would do.  We went to Target, and I opened the gates to whatever she wanted!  Cute band-aids.  Check.  But then what else would she pick?  Then, to my heart's desire, she chose a dress with a sparkly heart on the front, and a coral orange tulle skirt!!  I asked her if she really wanted this dress.  "Do you want a toy instead?  Or should we look at other things?"  I asked.  "NO.  I want heart for Daddy!"  She insisted.  She had her father in mind when she chose her prize for bravery, and wanted her dad's heart to melt:)  You can bet it did the trick!

Norah's "Heart for Daddy" Dress

Norah's English has really taken off.  She speaks like most other kids her age, and repeats everything!  She is such a fast learner, and very competent at many things.  Grandma Ruth was with her just this week, and was amazed at how she wanted to do the kitchen chores with her, and actually did them with surprising accuracy!  This girl continues to amaze us. 
Ever since we had dreamed of having a girl, there were a few things I set aside in my mind of pending excitement, that is only fulfilled in having a daughter.  One of them was going to get pedicures done.  It was my birthday this week, so I asked Norah if she'd like to go together to get our toenails painted.  She looked up and said, "Sure!  Let's go!"  So I explained that she would have to sit very still, and she agreed to all of it!  So we went Wednesday to get our toenails painted, and she sat and behaved like a star.  The other dreaming I've had, amongst others, is buying an Easter dress.  I don't know why this purchase is some sort of important purchase, but to me it is!  I have not found it yet, but we continue to look.

 

Playing Horsey with Dad

Sam and Will are amazing brothers.  They really do love Norah so well, and are getting used to sharing more of their time and stuff with her.  Will is still adjusting to his new place as the middle child, and throwing around his new-found (perceived) authority with her all the time.  That boy is a BIG TEASE!  David and I really are exhausted with all the bicker and teasing that goes on, but realize, it's totally common sibling stuff.  Which is great news if you want to look at the glass half full:)

This picture was taken a few weeks ago.  Norah wanted to wear every bow in her basket!  She looked like she was wearing a hat of bows, and she loved it!  She walked over to the neighbor's house to show off her creative style.

Going to Court!

 Norah loves loves her Daddy!

We went to court Friday, Jan 24th.  I think we could have gone sooner, but I have been dragging my heels with this post-placement business, and have not been really paying attention to what I was supposed to do next!  We need to finalize according to Missouri law, and going to court twice is required.  Once for transferring custody of Norah from Holt to us, and another after she has been with us for 6 months, and Holt has done post-placement visits up to 6 months.  So it's looking like April we will finalize, and Norah Blackwell will really for real be a Blackwell!!  Of course she already is.  

She was in a really funny mood as I took these pictures.  I love them!  The Gilchrists went to court on Friday as well to finalize Cora's adoption.  What a celebration!  Adoption milestones happened here for us:)  We showed up to court, and were scheduled with back to back hearings with Greg and Mandy W. who brought their twins home from Thailand a month before we did.  Their kids Zoe and Nolan are great, and doing so good!  It's so good to have other Thai adoptive families in the area.  Greg and Mandy are one of about 6 other couples with adoptive Thai kids in the KC metro that we know of, and have relationship with.

I was promptly scolded by someone here at the courthouse for taking this picture!  No signs were up, but apparently photos are prohibited.  I pretended to delete it as I apologized profusely...

The hearing itself was very short, and we got the commissioner everyone says you want.  She is nice, smiles, and is overall pleasant.  She paid us lots of compliments, and told us that Norah looks comfortable with us.  Norah even made her laugh!  It really was just saying yes to a bunch of questions, and then it was over. 

Proud Parents

We walked out of court so proud.  Proud of Norah for everything she has gone through.  For leaving her country and people to be a part of our family, and being surprisingly pleasant about it along the way!  I was also so thankful to our Good Father, the giver of ALL good gifts, that He is the giver of life.  That Norah's life is beautiful, and has made ours more as well.  Her story is beautiful.  Her future is beautiful, and it's all because He is good, and worthy of all my thankful heart. 

Our little love is OH so awesome!!

We have not posted in awhile... I guess life is getting comfortable and "normal" to where day to day with Norah is... well...normal!  This is how I am with my journal too.  I feel like I haven't journaled in months, and I need to do catch up, and then it is not fun.  So I am not going to do that here either.  But let me just say, Norah Blackwell continues to amaze us with her spirit, joy, fun and cuteness every day.  She is a parrot with the boys, and it worries me that she follows William around doing what he does... OMG some of the things!  Have you met my son Will?  Good leadership example for a little girl?  Hmmmm...  I am continually entertained, and often horrified.

Here they are cute as pie.

Will is my heart.  Really he is.  I can say all my kids are my favorite, but that stinker Will has a hold on me, and is so darn SWEET and cute and naughty all at the same time.  His relationship with Norah has warmed BIG time, and she adores him!  She is still terrorized by him most of the day, but it's built in some strange and delightful way an attachment that is strong and protected.  Anytime I ask where something is, or who did it, or why something is, she will say "Phee Will!"  So like everything is his problem or responsibility.  I love their relationship.  It's like I have two upcoming partners in crime, but they are quick to rat each other out!

Norah has really taken off with her English.  She has understood most of what we say for awhile now, but she is TALKING all the time!  It's great to hear!  She says things like "Mommy/Daddy, can you help me?"  " I can do it"  "I want ______"  and lots more.  Tonight she sat on David's lap at dinner, and gave him his cup of water, and said, "MY daddy's!"  His heart continues to melt.  My parent educator with Parents as Teachers came over yesterday to do a screening evaluation on her development and was so impressed by her comprehension and progress!  It makes me so proud.  Not that I have done any wonderful teaching, but that my girl is a smarty pants.  In the good way:)  

These pics are from around Christmas time.  And yes, that is makeup on her face in the pink sweater pic.  She likes putting makeup on when I do, and I just totally let her.  No mascara.  I draw the line there.  At least until the make up can go generally where it's supposed to on her cute face.  I got a lipstick kit for Christmas that I love, but has one magenta color that no matter how long and hard I wish it looked good on me, it never will... so I gave it to her.  I remember magenta lipstick as a little girl, and how AMAZING I thought it was, and how beautiful I remember feeling.  I have a feeling every girl needs a magenta lipstick when they are little.  Norah's skin is right for it too, so she may actually have a shot with it when she is older too.

Christmas was really fun watching her open the gifts and meet the family!  Mine that is.  My brother and sister and cousins and other family met Norah on our trip to Chicago for 3 days.  It was a test of patience getting there with the 8 hour ride with her.  The boys generally always do great.  Norah was only happy when Dave was in the back seat with her singing songs, doing stickers and reading... sort of exhausting after awhile!  But we made it with smiles on, and it was worth the effort.

One highlight from the trip was actually on the way home, we stopped in St. Louis for pizza.  The restaurant we stopped at was fairly empty, but we sat next to a table with an older couple and their two grand kids.  They were admiring Norah and trying to be friendly.  Norah started singing happy birthday, because she loves the song, and the man got so excited, because it was his birthday!  He was so blessed by it, and asked if he could take our picture!  He could not believe she knew it was his birthday!  We tried to explain that she just likes the song, but he was too blown away to care or be convinced it was more than a coincidence:) 

Watching it snow

I have gone back to work.  I was very worried how Norah would be for hours in the day without us.  I still only work Mondays and Thursdays, and Dave has her Mondays.  So Thursdays she goes to Aunt Sarah and Uncle Jame's house and plays with her cousins.  It's a terrific set up!  The first Thursday she was sad, but it's been a few weeks now, and today she threw a fit to have to leave their house!  Great sign:)  I love family.  I love the help and support we have here, and that Norah feels safe with her family!  All of us.  Work has been great for me to get back to.  I have had patients come in asking all about her, and even some bringing gifts!  Really.  I love my office and everyone in it.  It's a blessing.  And to get to work with some of my favorite people... just such a bonus.  I need the two days a week out working.  It's really good for me and my sanity!  :) 

"I am your beloved child, I am loved by you!"

What's with that title?  There is a lot to update about our sweet Nong Gluay Hom!  She is doing so fabulously well.  I may bullet point some of the things she is learning or doing...

- She learns by song.  Her favorite seems to be the post title:)  We will be in the car or in the house doing normal stuff, and she will break into song, singing/shouting LOUDLY, "I AM YOUR BELOVED CHILD!  I AM LOVED BY YOU!"  Thank you kids church for that one:)  And she will invite (demand) us to sing along.  Some other favorites are "Happy Birthday" and "every good and perfect gift".

-  She repeats alot of what we say, and I am beginning to understand some of her English!  She probably says more English than I realize, because it comes with a cute Thai-accented lisp:)

-  She is letting me brush (and floss) her teeth!!  Praise Jesus.  Sometimes with a struggle, but hey.

-  She is still all Daddy's girl, but her and I are bonding famously, and she really does love all of us it seems.  I got my first kiss the other day!  I was the last one to receive her kiss, as Dave and the boys got kisses early on.  She asked me to leave her alone in the bathroom, so after I left and closed the door, she yelled, MOMMY!!  I went in to her puckering up, ready for it:)  What a victory!  Sometimes she wants to call Dave, and when he picks up, she kisses the phone.  No talking, just kissing:)

-  She is still loving the noodles!  When she has a choice, she picks ramen noodles to eat.  Even for breakfast sometimes!

-  We had to deal with lice this week... yuck!  Poor thing has been itching her head for a month, but I never found any lice until this week.  Trying to comb out nits on a squirmy 2 year old that won't sit still, and doesn't like TV, so you can forget that distraction... not a fun time.  I had it too, so we had twice the fun.

These are some of the family pics we had taken by Andrew and Lydia Stienke.  AMAZING!  Norah was pretty fussy the whole shoot, so getting a few with smiles was great!  We are loving our girl.  Life is feeling more and more normal and natural.  

Loy Krathong

We have entered month 2 of custody of Norah, and things are really notching into normal life, well, I suppose I can say "new normal".  She is delightful, and is totally a Blackwell!  We attended Loy Krathong festival yesterday, where we met the other KC Thai families at Loose Park to release Krathongs into the pond, and light flying lanterns.  It was great to let Norah meet some other Thai children, and get a little Thai culture:)  Krathongs are floating decorations made out of banana leaves and flowers, and are sent afloat with candles and incense on them, giving thanks to water gods.  It also means that you are letting go of any negative feelings or judgements you've held onto over the last year, and releasing them.  Since we don't love a water god, we are saying "thank you to the God who MADE the water, and thank you for our daughter!!"  Our krathong was thrown together last min, and made of construction paper and cardboard!!  Guess who's krathong was least authentic in the group??  BINGO!  But hey, it was fun:)  It caught fire almost immediately, and was gone in 30 seconds!  Give me at least a year, until next Loy Krathong, and I'll have more energy to chop down a banana tree and do origami with it. 

Norah is learning all sorts of new things, and is comprehending an unbelievable amount of language!  She has learned NO, can you believe it!!?  Oh yes, it's the first word every child learns...  And her new favorite food is ketchup.  She loves it and when I point to snacks or a meal choice for her, she shakes her head no, until I point to the ketchup!  It's all she wants!  So I convinced her to at least dip it in crackers:)  Her comprehension of what we say is remarkable!  Just a month ago she only heard and understood Thai.  I can say, "Norah, go get your shoes", or "Norah give this toy to Sam" and she will do it!  And loads of other things too!  She wants to play tea party with her dolls daily.  Today we were playing with her hair bows, and she put one on her hello kitty doll, and laughed and laughed!  Pretty soon all her dolls were wearing her bows and having tea:)  My heart is so full with love for her.  She still loves loves her dad the most, and I am yet to get a kiss from her, but every day it feels like she connects a little bit more to me.  It feels great:)

One month!!

We have had custody of Norah for one month and 2 days.  Truly amazing how it feels like forever, but so short!  I can say with honest sincerity, that it has been amazing!  She has really taken to our family, and every day is easier!  She is totally in love with David, and is 100% daddy's girl:)  His heart melts for her, and he is loving every minute of it.  Of course, he can get nothing done, because she wants to be with him 24-7.  Her attachment to Sam has been terrific, and I would say to me is pretty good too.  We still are praying for a better friendship between her and Will, that has been a difficult relationship so far.  She seems to feel terribly threatened by him, and freaks when we show Will love and attention.  She lashes out at him often, and he is seeming to get the brunt of her aggression.  Sometimes they get on just fine, but she mostly has an offense toward him.  His personality is to bounce back and not be too bothered by her animosity, but he is feeling it.  Of course, Will is a silly fellow, and likes to joke and tease her, which does not help.  Ever.  So we are finding ourselves having to discipline Will quite often regarding Norah, and he is already feeling a little displaced in the family... it's been hard for everyone.  Please continue to pray for our little guy!  I am feeling for him.  We are all adjusting.  He is too, big time. 
When David is around, and Norah has the option of both parents, she is all over David, but when it's just her and I, she is great and has no problem.  I was reading in an adoption parenting book the other night (after many a melt downs...) at normal behavior and cues for trouble, and it gave a list of "signs your child is adjusting to the family", and she fit the bill for the whole list!  It was really encouraging to see that even after one month, she is feeling more comfy at home and with us. 

She has been sleeping SO much better!!  I think after adjusting fully to the time, we really turned a corner.  She has been sleeping in her own bed, and even got in on her own the other night!  She laid there, and I asked, "do you want to go to bed"?  She nodded yes, and let me change her out of her clothes, and get a bottle!  Down she went.  It was great.  She still is waking in the night, but no longer needing to be carried around the house.  Dave usually rocks her, sitting or lying down.  She settles now if we bring her in bed with us, so that's been most nights.  We are more rested, so more ready to take on the days. 

 

Halloween was really fun:)  James, Sarah, Sophie and Emma just arrived home from Wales that evening, so they met Norah, and we went trick-or treating together!  Norah LOVED it once she figured out what it was all about:)  Before we left, I had Norah dressed in a super cute Indian costume, but she would not keep in the braids.  She looked JUST like an Indian!  As you can see, her and Will got into a little mud puddle mischief, and that costume was ruined!!  (No, I was not watching my kids...)  So we changed to a pioneer:)  Candy went into a common bag and we all share it now, and 3 candy bags are significantly better and more than two!!:) 
I found myself crying today when a friend asked how it was going, and how the transition has been.  I was overcome with emotion at how grateful I am to have Norah.  She is so incredible and brave, and I admire her in so many ways!