Life Today

Today is the anniversary of the second full week we've had Lily home.  It's been heaven in every sense of the word.  I want to try and capture some of the things we're doing now before I forget.

Lily is rolling from her stomach to her back and rolling side to side from her back.  She sits up unassisted for 30 seconds after being balanced and positioned.  She giggles and smiles at the sight of us. Especially Yaya.  Lily adores Yaya and vise verse.  We've gone on tons of walks and we sit outside most of the day because it relaxes her and it's where she wants to be.  Lily also loves the water and warm baths.  If she's upset all we have to do is take her outside or bring out the water and she's a happy girl again in an instant.  Yesterday, I even noticed her lift her arms when I came to her.  It makes my heart soar that she is happy to see me and wants me to pick her up.

I love watching Yaya talk to Lily.  She does such a good job getting Lily to giggle and smile.  Last weekend, Yaya was singing and dancing for Lily and Lily started cooing and bouncing along with Yaya.  It was something to see.  When we asked Yaya if having a sister was what she thought it would be she responded, "Lily is exactly the sister I always prayed for." 

Yaya has really grown up in the last 2 weeks.  Even more, she is doing better in school in relation to following directions the first time.  She is acting more mature and offering to do more around the house to help too.  She loves it when we tell her to give herself a dot on her behavior chart for doing something kind or helpful.  She can't wait to take a friend with her someplace fun when it's full.  She's all about positive reinforcement.  She's reading "chapter books" and I'm shocked at some of the big words she's sounding out all by herself.   She even read a story to Lily the other night before bed.  Talk about a moment that melted my heart.  I don't recall being able to read when I was in kinder.   She's also writing fun stories all by herself.  In addition she can count over 100 and also by 2's, 5's and 10's. I can't believe she'll be finished with kinder in less than a month. Where did this school year go?  How am I going to keep her mind busy and challenged this summer?

Scott and I both find the thing that makes us happiest these days is just seeing our girls smiling together.  It seemed like this dream might never come true but it finally has at last!