{ So Many Firsts }

This week was to begin the many firsts for Olivia. Sunday we went to church. When we walked in, Sophia had one hand and Daniel had his arm around her. Proudly telling anyone that would listen that Olivia was his new sister from China. Everyone is quite protective of her right now and I think it is so precious. She went to class with Sophia and seemed to understand that I would be back and everything would be alright. The day before that, we went to a hotel to swim for the afternoon. Olivia loved it and walked around the smaller pool area with confidence. She always knew where Momma and Daddy were, but she did not feel the need to be with us every moment. She took in all that the swimming pool had to offer. Her eyes beaming and smiles coming so freely and easily. As you can see in this picture, she was so at ease that she did not think to keep her mouth closed. I think she knows that her teeth look a little different then ours. Next week is our trip to the dentist. We will see what they suggest.

Another HUGE first was that we decided that after only 10 days home with us, that we would start Olivia in school for half days until we return from Maui. Then she will go full days. She has made it clear to us that she is ready. She is a very smart girl that I think is use to routine and being in a classroom setting. On Monday I took her in and stayed with her a bit only to have her look at me and say bye-bye Momma. There was no anxiety at all. In fact, at one point all the kids were saying hi to her in Chinese and she looked at me and rolled her eyes as if to say, I do know the word hello for pete's sake. I was quite worried about recess. The picture above clearly shows that I didn't need to be. All the children in Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade classes knew she was coming. She was given such a warm welcome. I was so pleased. She also had to go to our pediatrician this week. They took six viles of blood and she never cried. I could feel her starting to sweat, but she was so brave. I have a feeling some of the things she was told before coming to us was not to let us see her cry and to be very obedient. She has been so sweet. I can't imagine what goes through her head on a daily basis. She tells me she loves me several times a day now and I can't wait for her to be able to really tell me how she is feeling.

I can feel that I am in that euphoric state of mind just like I was when

we brought Sophia home. I feel like our family has come full circle.

March 21st is our cardiologist appointment. I am very anxious about this one. I just want to know that things are ok, to find out if she has any limitations and if the surgery was indeed successful. I am not worried about anything at this point, it will just be good for David and I to get that "all clear" from the doctor. I know we are all in that honeymoon stage right now. It seems like that first year of "firsts" is so magical. The little ones are learning to gel with one another and once we get to Maui, I know that it will be a tremendous bonding time for our family. I am just so thankful that she is doing so well and that I have the children going to a school that is so wonderful and helpful. These next few weeks are sure to be some great times for our family. I can hardly wait.