How is she doing?

I realized that I haven't really posted about Terefech and how she is doing. We are doing really well...at least that is what I think. From all of the reading I have done, I don't think she could be doing much better. She is sleeping through the night every night (as far as we know). We stay in her room until she falls asleep but after that we can leave. She is playing more and more with toys. That has been an adjustment for her. It is interesting seeing her explore all of these new things and try and figure out what to do with them. She loves dolls and Barbies although she mostly sleeps with them.

Declan and Terefech have quickly turned into typical brother and sister. We tell Declan that if he likes her most of the time that is pretty good. They giggle, laugh, chase, play games, and then decide that they are driving each other crazy. The language barrier gets to him every once in awhile as it does her. He has done an amazing job of simplifying what he says, using hand gestures, and asks for help occassionally.

Terefech is talking more and more everyday. In fact, I hear her singing Itsy Bitsy Spider to herself right now. She asks what the names of things are constantly and is happy to repeat things when you ask her to. I am impressed at how fast she is learning English. It is sad in a way because it means she is losing her own language. We use a few words in her language. Hopefully we can continue that for some time.

She eats mostly hummus, avocado, strawberries, bananas, eggs, bread of different sorts, and Ethiopian food. I find this a particularly challenging area. None of these foods are particularly easy to transport so when we are out, I find myself carrying a container of strawberries and a fork. Seems kind of silly but it is working. We have been hitting the Ethiopian restaurant about every 2 weeks so she can have a full meal there. There is an Ethiopian grocery store pretty close that I need to start utilizing!

Terefech loves the pool. She is a real fish. It is interesting seeing a child who has very few fears (in terms of safety) since our other child is afraid of everything. Her motor skills are very well developed so she masters things so quickly. She is taking a music/movement class at a gym and has a great time. Gives her a chance to experience some new things, follow some simple directions and it gives Declan and I an hour to hang out together alone!

We have been lucky to have no nightmares, few outbursts, and no tantrums. There are times when you mention Ethiopia and you see the question in her face. She often looks at pictures of the kids in our travel group and our conversations are happy about them. It is spectacular to be able to talk to them on Skype, see their faces on Facebook, and luckily visit with some of them from time to time. It is hard to imagine what runs through the mind of a child who has lost everything they know. While we are thrilled that she is part of our family, at times my heart breaks for her.

Everyone asks Declan if he likes having a sister and happily he says yes. He is a pretty honest kid so I think he is telling the truth. I am truly proud of how he has hung in there with us, shared his toys, how he talks to her, praises her, and I think embraces her as his sister. I know that things can and will change through our lives. There will be times where they really like each other and times where they can't stand to be in the same room. Right now, it makes my heart smile (Declan's phrase) to see them laugh and enjoy each other.