Why the number two is special

 We have been home nearly three months, and so much has happened. Our first two priorities have always been bonding/attachment followed by language development, and they are still at the forefront as we begin our third month with Wendy. We have completed all of the recommended initial evaluations--social worker, pediatrician, international adoption specialist, Parents as Teachers and First Steps--and we are thrilled to learn Wendy is doing spectacularly across the board. Professionals who saw her after we first arrived home and then again several weeks later have commented how she seems like a different child: confident, outgoing and happy. Sigh. We've also gradually introduced her to new faces--extended family members, medical personnel, neighbors, friends, co-workers, and her preschool teachers. She is usually reserved upon first meeting someone, but with repeated exposure, she becomes more comfortable and generously offers the smiles and belly-laughs we are accustomed to seeing. I'm so grateful to have had so much time off to allow for all of the appointments, and to have some time left over for us to just enjoy being a family. In the 2+ months that we have been home, it has dawned on me how significant the number two has become in our lives.

Celebrating Wendy's 2nd Birthday:
We celebrated a huge milestone when Wendy turned 2 July 6. Our Independence Day baby probably thinks EVERY day is her birthday because she is constantly showered with hugs, kisses, new foods, new clothes and new toys. I'm not sure if anyone ever recognized her birthday in China, so we wanted to make sure this one was extra-special. I found the cutest (aka "ridiculous") tutu with a giant number 2 on it for her to wear on her big day. My practical side normally doesn't splurge on single-use clothing, but after seven years of waiting to celebrate Wendy's birthday, I couldn't resist. We were in Kansas City on her actual birthday, so she ended up having two parties: one hosted by my aunt Dorothy and one at our home the next week. The morning after her second party, we stayed home so she could explore her new toys. It struck me how amazing it was to watch her move confidently from toy to toy and to interact with them just like any other 2-year-old. Her behavior was truly a miracle, as I recalled her not leaving my side and showing only a limited, passive interest in any toy when we first got home. I'll never forget how she just sat on the carpet with blocks and stacking cups all around her, but all she would do was look down and cry. In contrast, now she will offer us air tea, push her baby stroller around the house, and clang together musical chimes. I thought to myself, this feels so normal. One of the cutest things she did was pull new clothes out of a gift bag over and over and say "Ooooh!" with delight as if she had never seen the gift before. Such joy!

Language Pairs:
Wendy's receptive language skills shock us, and her expressive skills are catching up quickly. I can give her directions, such as "Give the book to Maddie" or "Go find your bow," and she will do it. I am trying to help her expand her vocabulary by pairing words together such as "more milk" and "good dog." She surprised me a few weeks ago when I said "one" and she followed with "two." Whoa! We also demonstrate opposites visually, such as turning the light "on" and "off" and discussing going "up" or "down" the stairs. I've noticed she often practices mouthing the words before she will speak them aloud, so it may help to practice in front of a mirror. A few weeks ago, she was using lots of gestures to indicate her wants and needs, but now I hear her saying more words to communicate. She definitely has been paying attention, as she picked up my Mom's southern accent when saying "Bye!" and she grunts when struggling to reach something just like I do. She is still better at putting the child safety locks back on than I am, and she will offer you toilet paper if she accompanies you to the bathroom. I've been told to expect her language to explode when she starts preschool next month, and I believe it. Each word she expresses has a special meaning for me. Last week, I felt a lump in my throat when she yelled "home!" from the backseat of the car as we drove into our driveway. Yes, Wendy, you are home.

Two Sisters:
The sweetest part of this journey has been watching Maddie and Wendy interact together. They really adore each other and squeal with delight when reuniting after not seeing each other all day. When Wendy received a Bitty Baby doll for her birthday ("Baby Mei"), Maddie asked to unpack her "Baby Pei" from the basement along with a full wardrobe of doll clothes. Maddie showed Wendy how to change the baby's clothes and how to feed her a bottle and put her to bed. Yes, my heart was melting as this was a scene I had envisioned so many times over the years. The only time they seem to argue is over my attention. If I'm sitting on the couch, Maddie uses the advantage of her size to straddle over me and block Wendy. Shrewdly, Wendy counteracts by reaching out her arms and saying "hugs," a gesture that is so irresistible because it makes you drop everything just to scoop her up. Clever girl! Clearly, Maddie has taught Wendy many things, but Wendy also has had an undeniable influence on her big sister. Today, Maddie made me especially proud because she raised money to donate shoes to children in Chinese orphanages. She held a lemonade stand where she sold tie-dye headbands she had made herself over the past couple of days. Maddie was able to visit Wendy's orphanage in China, which is quite well-off, but she understands many are not as fortunate. Maddie has a big heart and I love her initiative in helping other children like Wendy.

Two-plus months, two years old, two daughters, two sisters... I'm feeling double happiness.