Milestones

It is truly amazing to see how much Emalyn has progressed since we first held her in our arms two weeks ago today!  It is remarkable what love, affection and individual attention can do for a child.  I can't say for sure that she had never done any of these things before, but this is when we first saw her do each one and I imagine that it was the first time considering the large amount of time she spent in a walker and in her crib at the orphanage.  (The other alternative is that she is somewhat shut down to us and is gradually letting her full personality and abilities come through.)

February 26......Saying "dadada"
February 29......Clapping & pointing to things she wants
March 1......Using the baby sign for "more"
March 3......New tooth broke through...in the ridge of her gum behind her cleft (we had wondered if there would be a tooth there and there is!
March 4......Waving, saying "bye bye"

In addition to these milestones, she has also made great strides in understanding what we are saying to her.  She definitely knows her name now and can follow a lot of short commands and requests.  Yesterday, she was playing with my computer and I said "Emalyn, no no.  That's Mommy's.  Close it." and she did exactly what I asked.  We are trying to be diligent to reward her with Smarties when she listens and obeys and when she is gentle with her hands.  She is growing in the gross motor skills area, too.  She is walking (sometimes practically running) much better and seems to be gaining more control over her strength and her hands.   

We go for our first appointment at the International Adoption Clinic on Wednesday morning and we are anxious to hear their assessment of her growth, development and her lip.  It will likely be a long, grueling appointment, so please pray for all of us.  I think they draw a lot of blood and do several seemingly invasive exams.  It will be hard for her to endure that much touching and prodding and hard for us to see her upset and hurting, but it is necessary to gather the most information and have the best possible medical history on her.

I am not sure I have ever mentioned this before, but we are so fortunate to have such incredible medical facilities and professionals right in our backyard.  Most people have to drive from miles around to visit the IAC, UAB and Children's Hospital, and we are so thankful to have their services at our disposal and so close to home!  What a blessing!