Milestones

Having never been through this journey of adoption before, we had no idea what to expect once we were all home together.  We did not know what would be tough, or what "tough" would look like.  We also did not know what would work well, or what "working well" would look like.  Today I learned a bit of what "working well" looks like for us!
After a family breakfast of pancakes, we attended the annual July 4th parade in Lorton, and then we were treated to ice cream sundaes by family and friends at Grace Bible Church who wanted to welcome the girls home.  Though there were nearly 100 people who dropped in at some point, the girls took it all in stride, and loved their ice cream.
After spending the morning with a huge group of people, we returned home where Joanna's personality came out in big ways.  It may have been thanks to the Hamster Dance card that a sweet family from our co-op gave us.  (Thanks Sharon!  The kids loved it and we have been hamster  dancing all day!), or it may have just been the comfort of home that brought out the giggles, tickles, and fun.  After a bit of bouncing on the trampoline with daddy we were off to the much awaited first pool trip to celebrate cousin Zachary's birthday.
The girls loved the pool.  Lakeridge Lancers, make room for two more!!!  Within minutes both girls were engaged in splashing, kicking, swimming, floating and jumping off the side into our arms.  We could have stayed for hours if these little Haitian bodies hadn't started to shiver as the sun went down.
After a bath, some hair washing, and some working on writing letters at the table it was clear that we were worn out  and ready for bed.
All of that sounds pretty good and normal, but the real victories were found in tiny moments that slid in here and there through our day. The whispered words in my ear at the pool, the way the English comes out of the four year old in various places (she always says "Please si vous plait" when she asks for something now), the fact that swimming was more fun than eating dinner (food is a big deal still), the way she asked to write her name today (not just her Haitian name, but her American name!), the way each of them cheerfully climbed into their beds and got under their covers without tears, pouting, or sulking.  All of those things tell me that we are, by God's grace, "working well" today.  Trust is built and shown in the smallest things, and I am thankful that God is giving us grace to see all that he is doing here.

"How great the Father's love for us,  How vast beyond all measure." has been on my tongue all day today. What a great way to celebrate this great nation!